Metal-microbe interactions importance

An important aspect of metal-microbe interactions, but one that is rarely addressed, is metal speciation and metal bioavailability. It is the metal species present and their relative bioavailability rather than total metal concentration in the environment that determines the overall physiological and toxic effects on biological systems (Bernhard, Brinckman Sadler, 1986 Hughes Poole, 1989 Morrison, Batley Florence, 1989). 

In this chapter, some aspects of the transformation and mobilization of metals by microorganisms in relation to the soil environment have been outlined. It seems evident that metal-microbe interactions are important in several soil contexts, not least in the biogeochemical cycling of metals, associated elements, and nutrients, and in plant productivity. The application and potential of many natural microbial and microbe-plant processes are also growing topics in the area of bioremediation. However, analysis and understanding of the effects of toxic metals on microbial communities is relatively limited despite extensive research, and many studies are site specific. Clearly, the complexity of interactions between metal species and soil components, as well as between metal... 

As a recognition of the importance of biophysico-chemical processes of metals and metalloids in soil environments, we initiated the first volume of the lUPAC—Wiley book series Biophysico-Chemical Processes in Environmental Systems. This volume, which consists of 15 chapters, is organized into three parts Fundamentals of Biotic and Abiotic Interactions of Trace Metals and Metalloids with Soil Components Transformations and Dynamics of Metals and Metalloids as Influenced by Soil—Root—Microbe Interactions and Speciation, Mobility, and Bioavailability of Metals and Metalloids and Restoration of Contaminated Soils. 

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