Continuing to explore the relationship between the chemistry of metals and life processes, this volume in the Metal Ions in Biological Systems series examines the degradation of environmental pollutants by micro-organisms. It covers the action of micro-organisms and metalloenzymes on lignin, tannins, hemicelluloses, cellulose and aromatic compounds, as well as on halogenated aromatics and aliphatics; analyzes mechanistic aspects; considers the role of metalloproteases in biotechnology and wastewater sludge treatment; and describes the metal-dependent conversion of inorganic nitrogen and sulfur compounds.