Microorganisms to Combat Pollution

This volume contains material first presented at an international workshop on the 'Use of Microorganisms to Combat Pollution', held in Israel, May 10--18, 1992. The workshop was sponsored by the Bat-Sheva de Rothschild Foundation for the Advancement of Science and included microbiologists, biochemists and geneticists from universities, environmental agencies and the military. Each of the contributors to this volume is an ack­ nowledged expert on the treatment of one or more types of pollution using microorganisms or their enzymes. This book differs from most published symposia proceedings in the breadth of coverage of each subject. Most of the chapters are divided into three parts: (a) A general presentation of the source and toxicity of the pollutant, (b) a review of the current state-of-the-science on the biodegradation of that pollutant and (c) the authors' unique research experiences on the problem. In several examples, the authors have presented data from both laboratory studies and field trials. Thus, the book contains not only the theoretical background on the biodegradation of pollutants, but also practical experiences in applying this knowledge to solving significant pollution problems.

The environment, microbes and bioremediation: microbial activities modulated by the environment.- Molecular methods for environmental monitoring and containment of genetically engineered microorganisms.- Mercury biotransformations and their potential for remediation of mercury contamination.- Interactions of bacteria with cadmium.- The cellulose paradox: pollutant par excellence and/or a reclaimable natural resource?.- Utilization of lignocellulosic waste by the edible mushroom, Pleurotus.- Delignification of wood pulp by a thermostable xylanase from Bacillus stearothermophilus strain T-6.- Biotechnology in the degradation and utilization of lignocelluloses.- The use of natural bacterial populations for the treatment of sulphur-containing wastewater.- Transformations of ammonia and the environmental impact of nitrifying bacteria.- Versatility of soil column experiments to study biodegradation of halogenated compounds under environmental conditions.- Bacterial PCB biodegradation.- Biodegradation of haloalkanes.- Oil spill bioremediation: experiences, lessons and results from the Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska.- Petroleum bioremediation — a multiphase problem.- Biodegradation of poly cyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.- Biological degradation of explosives and chemical agents.- Microbial degradation of pollutants at high salt concentrations.- List of contributors.