Fungi in Biogeochemical Cycles

This book promotes further understanding of the contribution that fungi make to the biogeochemical cycling of elements.

Geoffrey Michael Gadd (Edited by)

9780521845793, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 4 May 2006

490 pages
23.5 x 15.8 x 2.8 cm, 0.89 kg

Review of the hardback: 'Overall, I highly recommend this volume, not just to the mycologist but also to the ecologist, geologist, environmental scientist, and earth scientist. It will be especially useful to senior undergraduates and graduate students in interdisciplinary fields such as ecosystem ecology and biogeochemistry.' BioScience

Fungi play important roles in the cycling of elements in the biosphere but are frequently neglected within microbiological and geochemical research spheres. Symbiotic mycorrhizal fungi are responsible for major transformations and redistribution of inorganic nutrients, while free-living fungi have major roles in the decomposition of organic materials, including xenobiotics. Fungi are also major biodeterioration agents of stone, wood, plaster, cement and other building materials, and are important components of rock-inhabiting microbial communities. The aim of this book is to promote further understanding of the key roles that free-living and symbiotic fungi (in mycorrhizas and lichens) play in the biogeochemical cycling of elements, the chemical and biological mechanisms that are involved, and their environmental and biotechnological significance. Where appropriate, relationships with bacteria are also discussed to highlight the dynamic interactions that can exist between these major microbial groups and their integrated function in several kinds of habitat.

Preface
1. Overview of geomicrobiology and the relative roles of bacteria and fungi H. Erlich
2. Integrated nutrient cycles in forest ecosystems R. Finlay
3. Fungal roles in transport processes in soil K. Ritz
4. Regulation of ecosystem processes, including water transport M. Allen
5. Carbon and nitrogen cycling in forest ecosystems: importance of mycorrhizal fungi E. Hobbie
6. The role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in carbon and nutrient cycling D. Johnson
7. Mapping nutrient fluxes in mycelial networks S. Watkinson, M. Fricker and M. Tlalka
8. Relative roles of bacteria and fungi in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon biodegradation and remediation of contaminated soils C. Cerniglia
9. Colonisation and deterioration of polymeric materials G. Robson
10. Fungal dissolution and transformation of minerals: significance for nutrition and metal mobility G. Gadd and M. Fomina
11. Fungal activities in rock-inhabiting microbial communities A. Gorbushina
12. Roles of bacteria and fungi in carbonate-oxalate biomineralization E. Verrechia
13. Mineral tunnelling by fungi M. Smits
14. Mineral dissolution by ectomycorrhizal fungi H. Wallander
15. Lichen biogeochemistry W. Purvis and J. Haas
16. Fungal roles as components of deep sub-surface microflora K. Pedersen, J. Retiner and G. Schumann
17. Biogeochemical activities in freshwater environments K. Suberkropp and V. Gulis
18. Biogeochemical roles of fungi in marine and estuarine habitats N. Clipson, M. Otte and E. Landy
Index.

Subject Areas: Mycology, fungi [non-medical PSQ], Microbiology [non-medical PSG]