From the reviews: 'This second volume in the series 'Soil biology' presents a selection of contributions related to microbiological and biochemical processes ... . The volume is composed of more than 300 pages and the various contributions are enriches by figures, tables and schemes, as there is also an ample reference list ... . This book offers a substantial contribution to solving problems of chemical contamination of the soil, providing much fundamental knowledge of considerable use for students, technicians and teachers." (P.L. Pisani, Advances in Horticultural Science, Issue 3, 2005) "This book includes chapters prepared by professionals with expertise in environmental microbiology, biotechnology, bioremediation, and environmental engineering. Biodegradation is addressed comprehensively with emphasis on biodegradation chemistry and microbiology. ... easy to read and will be useful to professionals, teachers, and students. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All levels." (L.E. Erickson, CHOICE, Vol. 42 (5), January, 2005) "The new series 'soil biology' of Springer Verlag Berlin starts with two volumes edited by the same authors ... . The readership addresses in the preface are under- and postgraduate students in the field of biotechnology, environmental science, and environmental engineering as well as working professionals. ... book contains 40 figures (mostly chemical formulae) and 12 tables. ... The book can be recommended to those working in the clean-up of environmental contaminations and to those interested in the microbial biochemistry of degradation of recalcitrant compounds." (H.-Ch. Frund, Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science, Vol. 169 (2), 2006)

• 1. Biotechnology and Bioremediation — An Overview.- 2. Microbial Community Dynamics During Bioremediation of Hydrocarbons.- 3. Bioavailability and Biodegradation of Organic Pollutants — A Microbial Perspective.- 4. Anaerobic Biodegradation of Hydrocarbons.- 5. Biotransformation, Biodegradation, and Bioremediation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons.- 6. Biodegradation and Bioremediation of Halogenated Organic Compounds.- 7. Biodegradation of N-Containing Xenobiotics.- 8. Aromatic Hydrocarbon Dioxygenases.- 9. Bacterial Reductive Dehalogenases.- 10. Engineering of improved Biocatalysts in Bioremediation.- 11. Combined Biological and Abiological Degradation of Xenobiotic Compounds.- 12. Methods for Monitoring and Assessment of Bioremediation Processes.

From the reviews: 'This second volume in the series 'Soil biology' presents a selection of contributions related to microbiological and biochemical processes ... . The volume is composed of more than 300 pages and the various contributions are enriches by figures, tables and schemes, as there is also an ample reference list ... . This book offers a substantial contribution to solving problems of chemical contamination of the soil, providing much fundamental knowledge of considerable use for students, technicians and teachers." (P.L. Pisani, Advances in Horticultural Science, Issue 3, 2005) "This book includes chapters prepared by professionals with expertise in environmental microbiology, biotechnology, bioremediation, and environmental engineering. Biodegradation is addressed comprehensively with emphasis on biodegradation chemistry and microbiology. ... easy to read and will be useful to professionals, teachers, and students. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All levels." (L.E. Erickson, CHOICE, Vol. 42 (5), January, 2005) "The new series 'soil biology' of Springer Verlag Berlin starts with two volumes edited by the same authors ... . The readership addresses in the preface are under- and postgraduate students in the field of biotechnology, environmental science, and environmental engineering as well as working professionals. ... book contains 40 figures (mostly chemical formulae) and 12 tables. ... The book can be recommended to those working in the clean-up of environmental contaminations and to those interested in the microbial biochemistry of degradation of recalcitrant compounds." (H.-Ch. Frund, Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science, Vol. 169 (2), 2006)

• 1. Biotechnology and Bioremediation — An Overview.- 2. Microbial Community Dynamics During Bioremediation of Hydrocarbons.- 3. Bioavailability and Biodegradation of Organic Pollutants — A Microbial Perspective.- 4. Anaerobic Biodegradation of Hydrocarbons.- 5. Biotransformation, Biodegradation, and Bioremediation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons.- 6. Biodegradation and Bioremediation of Halogenated Organic Compounds.- 7. Biodegradation of N-Containing Xenobiotics.- 8. Aromatic Hydrocarbon Dioxygenases.- 9. Bacterial Reductive Dehalogenases.- 10. Engineering of improved Biocatalysts in Bioremediation.- 11. Combined Biological and Abiological Degradation of Xenobiotic Compounds.- 12. Methods for Monitoring and Assessment of Bioremediation Processes.