Advances in Microbial Ecology – serie

This is the third volume of Advances in Microbial Ecology to be produced by the current editorial board. I would, therefore, like to take this opportunity to thank my co-editors for all their efforts, particularly in maintaining a balance of subject matter and geographical distribution of the contributions. Volume 15 is no exception in that we have a balance between the prokaryo­ tic and eukaryotic organisms and a range of subject matter from applied ecology through process ecology to ecological theory. The response from our readers has been encouraging in the sense that the breadth of coverage is much appreciated, particularly by teachers and postgraduate/postdoctoral researchers. However, we still strive to improve our coverage and particularly to move wider than the North America/Europe axis for contributions. Similarly, we would like to see coverage of the more unusual microbes, perhaps a chapter devoted to the ecology of a particular species or genus. There must exist many ecological notes on "rarer" organisms that have not found their way into the standard textbooks or taxonomic volumes; properly compiled these could provide valuable information for the field ecologist. Ecological theory has, until recently, been the domain of the "macroecolo­ gist. " Recent advances in molecular techniques will ensure that the microbial ecologist will playa more significant role in the development of the subject. We shall not, therefore, change our policy of encouraging our contributors to specu­ late, permitting them sufficient space to develop their ideas.

This work continues a treatment of microbial ecology exhibited in recent volumes in the series. In particular, it looks at marine and aquatic environments and the work being done in these fields of ecology. Chapters include such subjects as methane oxidation in rice fields and wetlands, biological phosphorus removal in activated sludge systems, the environmental fate of chiral pollutants, complex adaptive systems, and a chapter on the largest single-celled prokaryote, A. oxaliferum.

Kevin Marshall is a hard act to follow. Volume 13 of Advances in Microbial Ecology has been produced by a new editorial board, and we, the members of that board, are delighted to have the opportunity to pay tribute to Kevin's achievements. In his time as Series Editor, the quality of the chapters submitted and the range of subject matter covered have ensured an expanding and more stimulated readership. This represents a considerable achievement, given the growth in the number of review volumes and the increasing tendency for journals to publish review articles. The achievement was reached not only through metic­ ulous attention to quality and detail but also by providing a forum for the expression of views, information, and results that would stimulate discussion. Advances in Microbial Ecology will continue to provide such a focus, although, because of the frequency of publication, it would not be practicable to introduce a "reply" or "comment" section. Although we do not deliberately aim to provide a forum for controversy, we encourage speculation based on sound scientific arguments. In addition, we would like to encourage authors to offer chapters for consideration. In the past, the volumes have largely comprised invited chapters. With the best will in the world, an editorial board of four cannot claim adequate coverage of such a vast and rapidly developing research area. We would there­ fore welcome submission of outline plans for chapters, which should be sent to the Editor.

In my own understanding, microbial ecology com­ prises the elucidation of microbial activities in natural or semi natural environ­ ments, including physiology, biochemistry, population dynamics, and interactions with all the biotic and abiotic environmental conditions microbes encounter.

This book evolved from the editors strong belief that the information and new developments that were evolving from the rapidly growing field of genomics and that are happening primarily in the developed world have not happened at a parallel rate in the developing world. One would have hoped that by now the technologies and approaches would have been adapted on a far greater scale. In addition to this, the associated information is not always easily accessible, and is not disseminated in a format that can become a useful reference for scientists, students and others who reside in developing countries.

The substantial and impressive changes in microbial ecology can scarcely be chronicled in a meaningful fashion, and a review series such as Advances in Microbial Ecology can thus not do justice to the numerous studies that have been published in recent years. On the other hand, the mere existence of this series bears testimony to the many and diverse activities. The growing concern with microbial communities and processes in natural ecosystems is not restricted to scientists in one region and is not limited to particular groups of organisms or to individual theoretical or applied problems. The recent and successful international symposium on microbial ecology held in New Zealand-sponsored in part by the International Commission on Microbial Ecology, as is the Advances-and the general microbiology and ecology conferences and congresses have included reports from investigators from all corners of the globe and have explored both new and traditional areas, agricultural and public health problems, individual species and complex communities, and heterotrophs and autotrophs as well as ecosystem models relying on mathematical concepts and environmental processes needing sophisticated chemistry for their definition. The reviews in the present volume thus can offer only a minute sampling of the multitude of topics being actively explored at the present time. Two of the reviews focus attention on biogeochemical cycles regulated by microorganisms, in particular the way these organisms contribute to or control the levels and identities of chemical substances in the atmosphere. The chapter by Y. Dommergues, L. W. Belser, and E. L.

We are most gratified by the response to the initiation of this series of volumes presenting recent developments and new concepts in microbial ecology. Favorable reactions have been expressed in both oral and written communication, and Ad­ vances in Microbial Ecology thus seems to be providing a worthwhile outlet in a rapidly growing field of microbiology and environmental sciences. The growing importance of microbial ecology is evident in many ways. Uni­ versity personnel are expanding their programs and increasing the number of research topics and publications. Substantial numbers of industrial scientists have likewise entered this field as they consider the microbial transformation of chemicals in waters and soils and the effects of synthetic compounds on natural microbial communities. Agricultural, medical, dental, and veterinary practitioners and scientists have also been increasing their activity in microbial ecology because of the importance of the discipline to their own professions. In addition, govern­ mental agencies have expanded regulatory and research activities concerned with microbial ecology owing to the importance of information and regulations fo­ cused on the interactions between microorganisms in nature and particular en­ vironmental stresses.

The literature in microbial ecology is growing rapidly. Journals in many countries dealing with microbiology, ecology, environmental sciences, and environmental technology are publishing an ever-increasing number of papers, and these reports are providing microbial ecologists with a wealth of information. This body of data is now so large and the research is published in so many journals and mono­ graphs that maintaining an overview of the development of the field grows more difficult. The role of Advances in Microbial Ecology thus becomes more obvious with time. The articles in the present volume encompass an array of topics appropriate to the development of the discipline of microbial ecology. Both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems are subjects of attention, and a variety of microbiological groups come under review. Furthermore, methodological problems and ap­ proaches are not overlooked. The ecology of protozoa, constraints on their populations, and their role in nutrient cycling and energy flow are considered by J. D. Stout. A unique micro­ environment is discussed by B. Norkrans, the surface microlayer of aquatic eco­ systems, and Dr. Norkrans presents information on a field that has blossomed in the last few years. The subject of the review by H. S. Lowendorf is the genus Rhizobium, a group of bacteria whose importance has grown as the cost of fuel for production of nitrogen fertilizers and ultimately for protein production has increased.

Advances in Microbial Ecology was established by the International Commis­ sion on Microbial Ecology to provide a vehicle for in-depth, critical, and, it is hoped, provocative reviews on aspects of both applied and basic microbial ecol­ ogy. In the five years of its existence, Advances has achieved recognition as a major source of information and inspiration both for practicing and f

This volume of Advances in Microbial Ecology marks a change in the editor­ ship of the series. The Editorial Board wishes to take this opportunity to express its gratitude to Martin Alexander, the founding editor and editor of the first five volumes, for his enterprise in establishing the series and in ensuring that Advances has become an outstanding focal point for the identification of new developments in the rapidly expanding field of microbial ecology. With the publication of this volume, we welcome Howard Slater to the Editorial Board. The policies of the Editorial Board remain the same as before. Most con­ tributions to Advances in Microbial Ecology will be solicited by the Board. However, individuals are encouraged to submit outlines of unsolicited contri­ butions to the Board for consideration for inclusion in the series. Advances is designed to serve an international audience and to provide critical reviews on basic and applied aspects of microbial ecology. Contributions in the present volume are predominantly concerned with the ecology of aquatic microorganisms, but encompass a variety of approaches to this area. The exception is the chapter by J. W. Doran on the role of micro­ organisms in the cycling of selenium. G-Y. Rhee discusses the effects of envi­ ronmental factors on phytoplankton growth. The factors limiting the produc­ tivity of freshwater microbial ecosystems are considered by H. W. Paerl.

Advances in Microbial Ecology was established by the International Com­ mittee on Microbial Ecology (ICOME) as a vehicle for the publication of critical reviews selected to reflect current trends in the ever-expanding field of microbial ecology. Most of the chapters found in Advances in Microbial Ecology have been solicited by the Editorial Board. Individuals are encouraged, however, to submit outlines of unsolicited contributions to any member of the Editorial Board for consideration for inclusion in a subsequent volume of Advances. Contributions are expected to be in­ depth, even provocative, reviews of topical interest relating to the ecology of microorganisms. With the publication of Volume 8 of Advances we welcome to the panel of contributors Martin Alexander, the founding editor of this series, who discusses the range of natural constraints on nitrogen fixation in agri­ cultural ecosystems. Ecological aspects of cellulose degradation are dis­ cussed by L. G. Ljungdahl and K. -E. Eriksson, and of heavy metal responses in microorganisms by T. Duxbury. In his chapter, A. Lee con­ siders the gastrointestinal tract as an ecological system, and comments on the possibility of manipulating this system. The complex interactions among aerobic and anaerobic sulfur-oxidizing bacteria are discussed in terms of natural habitats and chemostat culture by J. G. Kuenen, L. Rob­ ertson, and H. van Gemerden. Finally, J. A. Robinson presents the advantages and limitations in the use of nonlinear regression analysis in determining microbial kinetic parameters in ecological situations. K. C. Marshall, Editor R. M. Atlas B. B.

Advances in Microbial Ecology was established by the International Committee on Microbial Ecology (ICOME) to provide a vehicle for in-depth, critical, and even provocative reviews to emphasize recent trends in the important field of microbial ecology. Advances in Microbial Ecology is now recognized as a major source of infor­ mation and inspiration both for practicing and for prospective microbial ecologists. Most reviews appearing in Advances have been prepared by leaders in particular areas follow­ ing invitations issued by the Editorial Board. Individuals are encouraged, however, to submit outlines of unsolicited contributions to any member of the Editorial Board for consideration for publication in Advances. With the publication of Volume 12 of Advances in Microbial Ecology there will be a change of Editor and the entire Editorial Board. The current Editor wishes to take this opportunity to thank the present Editorial Board, Ron Atlas, Bo Barker J~rgensen, and Gwyn Jones, as well as past members of the Board, for their assistance and encourage­ ment over the years. The new Editor of Advances in Microbial Ecology will be Gwyn Jones, with Bernhard Schink, Warwick F. Vincent, and David M. Ward as members of the Editorial Board. The outgoing Board wish the new Board every success in continu­ ing the traditions established by Martin Alexander, the founding Editor of Advances in Microbial Ecology. The topics featured in Volume 12 of Advances include some related to the meta­ bolic activities of bacteria; namely, bioremediation of oil spills, by R. M. Atlas and R.

This is the third volume of Advances in Microbial Ecology to be produced by the current editorial board. Volume 15 is no exception in that we have a balance between the prokaryo­ tic and eukaryotic organisms and a range of subject matter from applied ecology through process ecology to ecological theory.