Exploring the role of enzymes in biogeochemical processes, this reference explores the function, molecular biology, and biochemistry of microorganisms and their intra-and extra-cellular enzymes in soils and aquatic systems. With contributions from international experts, the book provides detailed discussions on the use of enzymes to assess nutrient turnover, soil health, and environmental stresses. Topics include methods for determining and manipulating the diversity of microbial populations, the effect of biofilms and their microbes ad enzymes on the environment, microbe-plant symbiosis, microbial activities in lake and ocean ecosystems, and terrestrial ecosystem stress, and more.