Aquatic biofilms : ecology, water quality and wastewater treatment / edited by Anna M. Romaní, Institute of Aquatic Ecology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain, Helena Guasch, Institute of Aquatic Ecology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain and M. Dolors Balaguer, Laboratory of Chemical and Environmental Engineering (LEQUIA), Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.

Format:

Book

Contributor:

Romaní i Cornet, Anna M., editor.

Guasch, Helena, editor.

Balaguer, M. Dolors (Maria Dolors), editor.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Biofilms.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (ix, 229 pages) : illustrations, maps

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Norfolk, England : Caister Academic Press, [2016]

Language Note:

English

Summary:

This book is a concise review of the current knowledge on aquatic biofilms with an emphasis on the characteristics and ecology of biofilms in natural ecosystems and a focus on biofilm applications linked to water pollution problems. The volume is divided into three sections: Biofilms Mode of Life; Biofilms and Pollution; and New Technologies using Biofilms. In the first section the aquatic biofilm mode of life is described and reviewed. Key aspects covered include the three-dimensional structure and cell to cell communication of biofilms, their dynamic prokaryotic diversity and their vital role in biogeochemical cycles. In the second part of the book the use of biofilms in water quality is comprehensively covered. Chapters discuss biofilms in water quality, environmental risk assessment, monitoring and ecotoxicological approaches. Further topics include biofilm development in sewage pipes and the potential for microbial transformations in these systems. The final section focuses on important examples of novel technologies based on biofilms for water treatment, including the biodegradation of pollutants, the application of bioelectrogenic biofilms, and the biofilm capacity for nitrogen removal. With contributions from ecologists, engineers and microbiologists this book presents scientists and technicians with up-to-date knowledge and a clear understanding of aquatic biofilms from different and complementary points of view. An essential reference book for anyone working with biofilms.

Contents:

Intro

Contents

Contributors

Current Books of Interest

Preface

Part I: Biofilm Mode of Life

1: Limits of the Biofilm Concept and Types of Aquatic Biofilms

Introduction

Types of aquatic biofilms defined by the substratum where they develop

Biofilm responses to environmental conditions

Conclusions

2: Laser Microscopy for the Study of Biofilms: Issues and Options

Significance of sample type and origin for laser microscopy studies

The laser microscopy approach for biofilm analysis

Laser microscopy of aquatic biofilms

Laser microscopy of aquatic aggregates

Laser microscopy of biofilms at liquid and gaseous interfaces

Laser microscopy for studying biofilm grazing

Laser microscopy for exploring biofilm metabolism

Large area imaging of biofilms

Biofilm matrix

Laser microscopy of the biofilm matrix

Research needs

3: Interactions and Communication within Marine Biofilms

Adhesion and communication during biofilm formation

Composition of marine biofilms

Factors affecting biofilm composition

Communication strategies within biofilms

Quorum sensing

Anti-biofilm strategies

Conclusions and future directions

4: Microbial Biodiversity in Natural Biofilms

Biofilm community assembly - stochastic versus deterministic processes

Metacommunity ecology - the roles of dispersal and environmental conditions

Spatial and temporal species turnover - the role of beta-diversity

Taxonomic composition of biofilms

Biofilm diversity in different habitats

Patterns of biofilm diversity along spatial and environmental gradients

How many microbial taxa are there in biofilms?

Functional diversity in biofilms

5: Aquatic Biofilms and Biogeochemical Processes

Biofilm biogeochemical environment.

Biogeochemical cycling

Measurements of biogeochemical processing in biofilms

Part II: Biofilms and Pollution

6: Benthic Diatom Monitoring and Assessment of Freshwater Environments: Standard Methods and Future Challenges

Potential of diatoms for water quality assessment

Towards a harmonized way of using diatoms for biomonitoring

Implementation of diatom-based assessment in rivers and streams: main approaches, advantages and limitations

Diatom-based assessment shifts towards fundamental ecology

7: The Use of Biofilms to Assess the Effects of Chemicals on Freshwater Ecosystems

Biofilm ecotoxicology - a multi-component approach

Ecotoxicological responses of the whole biofilm

Biofilm ecotoxicology - link between pollution and ecosystem health

Conclusions and future recommendations

8: Biofilm Development in Sewer Networks

Submerged sewer biofilms dynamics

Unsubmerged sewer biofilms

Conclusions and perspectives

Part III: New Technologies Using Biofilms

9: Biofilm Biodegradation Potential

Biofilms and environmental pollutants

Persistent organic pollutants in the environment

Biodegradation of persistent organic pollutants using biofilms

Applied biofilm based biodegradation methods

Perspectives and conclusion

10: Electroactive Biofilms in Water and Air Pollution Treatment

Bioelectrochemical systems

Biofilms in bioelectrochemical systems

Exoelectrogenic microorganisms

Electrotrophic microorganisms

Microbial extracellular electron transfer (EET) mechanisms

Microbial intracellular electron transport (ICET) mechanisms

11: Biofilms for One-stage Autotrophic Nitrogen Removal

Biofilms for one-stage PNA

Reactor configurations.

Application of PNA to the mainstream of sewage treatment

Future trends

Glossary

Index.

Notes:

Bibliographic Level Mode of Issuance: Monograph

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Description based on print version record.

ISBN:

1-910190-18-7

OCLC:

932016655