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Microbial Enzymes: Production, Purification, and Industrial Applications, 2 Volume Set
by Rajarshi Kumar Gaur Pankaj Chowdhary Gautam Anand Dinesh YadavComprehensive discussion of production and purification strategies for microbial enzymes important to various industries, from food and beverages to pharmaceuticals Microbial Enzymes provides expert insight into diverse aspects of microbial enzymes, highlighting strategies for their production, purification, and manipulation, elucidating eco-friendly industrial applications, and discussing several production processes, such as the production of cellulose and non-synthetic indigo dye. This book emphasizes recent technological interventions in microbial enzyme technology like metagenomics, system biology, molecular biology, genomics, directed evolution, and bioinformatics. The important microbial enzymes highlighted in this book include xylanases, ureases, methane monooxygenase, polyhydroxyalkanoates, pectinases, peroxidases, α-L-rhamnosidase, alkane hydroxylases, laccases, proteases, gallic acid decarboxylase, chitinases, beta-glucosidase, lipases, inulinases, tannase, mycozyme, ACC deaminase, ligninolytic enzymes, and many more. Novel treatment methods involving strains of microorganisms with desirable properties applicable in the process of bioremediation through mitigating climate concern, increasing green production technology, improving agriculture productivity, and providing a means of earning a livelihood are discussed. Readers will also gain state-of-the-art background knowledge on existing technologies and their current challenges and future prospects. Contributed to by leading experts in the field and edited by four highly qualified academics, Microbial Enzymes explores important topics including: Strategies for the discovery and enhancement of enzyme function, and potentials of system biology to better understand the kinetics of industrially important enzymesProduction and therapeutic applications of monoclonal antibodies in cancer and other diseases, and characterization of tannase as a virulence factorOpportunities to produce enzymes through food waste and byproducts, and recent developments in computational toolsUse of Omics tools in the discovery of fungal enzymes and secondary metabolites Microbial Enzymes is a thorough and highly practical reference on the subject for students, scientists, biotechnologists, microbiologists, and policymakers working in environmental microbiology, biotechnology, and environmental sciences.
Microbial Enzymes: Roles and Applications in Industries (Microorganisms for Sustainability #11)
by Naveen Kumar Arora Jitendra Mishra Vaibhav Mishra“Microbial Enzymes: Roles and applications in industry” offers an essential update on the field of microbial biotechnology, and presents the latest information on a range of microbial enzymes such as fructosyltransferase, laccases, amylases, lipase, and cholesterol oxidase, as well as their potential applications in various industries. Production and optimisation technologies for several industrially relevant microbial enzymes are also addressed.In recent years, genetic engineering has opened up new possibilities for redesigning microbial enzymes that are useful in multiple industries, an aspect that the book explores. In addition, it demonstrates how some of the emerging issues in the fields of agriculture, environment and human health can be resolved with the aid of green technologies based on microbial enzymes. The topics covered here will not only provide a better understanding of the commercial applications of microbial enzymes, but also outline futuristic approaches to use microbial enzymes as driver of industrial sustainability.Lastly, the book is intended to provide readers with an overview of recent applications of microbial enzymes in various industrial sectors, and to pique researchers’ interest in the development of novel microbial enzyme technologies to meet the changing needs of industry.
Microbial Exopolysaccharides as Novel and Significant Biomaterials (Springer Series on Polymer and Composite Materials)
by Swati Sharma Ashok Kumar Nadda Sajna K. V.This book examines the commercial role of various microbial polysaccharides and recent advances in their production. Offering an overview of the physiological role, biosynthetic pathways and regulatory mechanisms, it also explores the current challenges regarding bioprocessing for the production of polysaccharides.
Microbial Exopolysaccharides: Production and Applications
by Shashi Kant Bhatia Parmjit Singh Panesar Sanjeet MehariyaThis book offers a complete coverage of microbial refinery for exopolysaccharides (EPS) production, including genetic improvements, production techniques, biotechnological applications in food, cosmetics, health and environment sector, economic perspectives, and commercialization of EPS products. It focuses on exopolysaccharides production from an organism perspective to offer a complete picture from isolation of microbes to commercialization of EPS-based products. It covers strategies for EPS production and future perspectives and the potential of microbial refinery.Features: Provides a concise introduction to the science, biology, technology, and application of exopolysaccharides (EPS) Details upstream and downstream steps in EPS production from microbial resources Acts as a complete guide from production to commercialization Explores the potential application of EPS for socioeconomical benefits Discusses the EPS applications in food, cosmetics, health, and bioremediation approach for clean and sustainable development This book is aimed at researchers and graduate students in fermentation technology, biochemical engineering, and biotechnology.
Microbial Factories
by Vipin Chandra KaliaThis book highlights the efforts made by distinguished scientific researchers world-wide to meet two key challenges: i) the limited reserves of polluting fossil fuels, and ii) the ever-increasing amounts of waste being generated. These case studies have brought to the foreground certain innovative biological solutions to real-life problems we now face on a global scale: environmental pollution and its role in deteriorating human health. The book also highlights major advances in microbial metabolisms, which can be used to produce bioenergy, biopolymers, bioactive molecules, enzymes, etc. Around the world, countries like China, Germany, France, Sweden and the US are now implementing major national programs for the production of biofuels. The book provides information on how to meet the chief technical challenges - identifying an industrially robust microbe and cheap raw material as feed. Of the various possibilities for generating bioenergy, the most attractive is the microbial production of biohydrogen, which has recently gained significant recognition worldwide, due to its high efficiency and eco-friendly nature. Further, the book highlights factors that can make these bioprocesses more economical, especially the cost of the feed. The anaerobic digestion (AD) process is more advantageous in comparison to aerobic processes for stabilizing biowastes and producing biofuels (hydrogen, biodiesel, 1,3-propanediol, methane, electricity), biopolymers (polyhydroxyalkanoates, cellulose, exopolysaccharides) and bioactive molecules (such as enzymes, volatile fatty acids, sugars, toxins, etc. ) for biotechnological and medical applications. Information is provided on how the advent of molecular biological techniques can provide greater insights into novel microbial lineages. Bioinformatic tools and metagenomic techniques have extended the limits to which these biological processes can be exploited to improve human welfare. A new dimension to these scientific works has been added by the emergence of synthetic biology. The Big Question is: How can these Microbial Factories be improved through metabolic engineering and what cost targets need to be met?
Microbial Fermentation and Enzyme Technology
by Hrudayanath Thatoi Pradeep K. Das Mohapatra Sonali Mohapatra Keshab C. MondalThe discovery of enzymes as biocatalysts has led to various biotechnological developments. The capability of enzymes to catalyse various chemical reactions both in vivo and in vitro has led them to applications in various industries, such as food, feed, pharmaceutical, diagnostics, detergent, textile, paper, leather, and fine chemical industries. Microbial Fermentation and Enzyme Technology mainly focuses on production and application of enzymes in various industries. Further, it also discusses recent developments in enzyme engineering particularly those involved in creating and improving product formations through enzyme and fermentation technology. Salient features: Includes current research and developments in the area of microbial aspects in different fields like food, chemicals, pharmaceutical, bioprocess, etc. Discusses various enzymes that are used in refinement of environmental pollutions and its application in different industrial sectors Focuses on production and application of enzymes in various industries Highlights recent developments in enzyme engineering with respect to its application in textile, pharmaceutical, nanobiotechnology, bioremediation and many other related fields.
Microbial Fermentations in Nature and as Designed Processes
by Christon J. HurstMICROBIAL FERMENTATIONS IN NATURE AND AS DESIGNED PROCESSES Fermentation is one of the most important metabolic tools that biology has developed and microorganisms in many ways seem to have become the true masters of fermentative metabolism. Each of the fermentative microbial functions evolved to fit an energetic opportunity, and each function has ecological value. This book provides its readers with: Understanding regarding the commonalities and distinctions between aerobic and anaerobic fermentations as performed by microorganisms. A summary of knowledge regarding the ways in which animals and plants depend upon symbiotic interactions with their fermenting microbial partners including the deconstruction of complex polysaccharides. Information is also included about how those natural technologies constitute adaptation into designed processes for anaerobic degradation of lignocellulosic materials. The important role of rhizosphere microbes that facilitate availability of inorganic and organic phosphates for plants. These phosphates get stored in the plant’s seeds. After ruminant animals ingest the seeds, enzymes produced by gastrointestinal microbial fermentation allow the animals to utilize their dietary phosphates. History of how microbial fermentation has been harnessed from prehistoric times to the present for processing and preserving food products for humans and fodder for our domesticated animals. Insight into the ways that microbial fermentations are used as an engineering tool for producing chemicals, including enzymes and pharmaceuticals, which improve the health of ourselves and our domesticated animals. Perspectives on possible future research directions for the field of applied microbial fermentation that will help to advance agriculture and industry.
Microbial Food Safety
by Charlene Wolf-Hall Andwilliam NganjeThis interdisciplinary textbook provides the reader with vital information and comprehensive coverage of foodborne microbial pathogens of potential risk to human consumers. It includes human pathogens and toxins originating from plants, fungi and animal products and considers their origin, risk, prevention and control. From the perspectives of microorganisms and humans, the authors incorporate concepts from the social and economic sciences as well as microbiology, providing synergies to learn about complex food systems as a whole, and each stage that can present an opportunity to reduce risk of microbial contamination. Microbial Food Safety: A Food Systems Approach explains concepts through a food supply network model to show the interactions between how humans move food through the global food system and the impacts on microorganisms and risk levels of microbial food safety. Presented in full colour throughout, this book: - Is clearly organised into easy digestible and accessible contents - Includes key questions, summaries, further reading and a glossary to aid and focus reading - Contains information boxes and numerous examples to help you review and apply the concepts covered Written by authors renowned in the field and with extensive teaching experience, this book is essential reading for upper-level undergraduate and postgraduate students of food microbiology, food safety and food science, in addition to professionals working in these areas.
Microbial Food Safety
by Steffen Backert Omar A. OyarzabalIn this book, some of the most qualified scientists review different food safety topics, ranging from emerging and reemerging foodborne pathogens, food regulations in the USA, food risk analysis and the most important foodborne pathogens based on food commodities. This book provides the reader with the necessary knowledge to understand some of the complexities of food safety. However, anybody with basic knowledge in microbiology will find in this book additional information related to a variety of food safety topics.
Microbial Food Safety: A Food Systems Approach
by Charlene Wolf-Hall William NganjeThis interdisciplinary textbook provides the reader with vital information and comprehensive coverage of foodborne microbial pathogens of potential risk to human consumers. It includes human pathogens and toxins originating from plants, fungi and animal products and considers their origin, risk, prevention and control. From the perspectives of microorganisms and humans, the authors incorporate concepts from the social and economic sciences as well as microbiology, providing synergies to learn about complex food systems as a whole, and each stage that can present an opportunity to reduce risk of microbial contamination. Microbial Food Safety: A Food Systems Approach explains concepts through a food supply network model to show the interactions between how humans move food through the global food system and the impacts on microorganisms and risk levels of microbial food safety. Presented in full colour throughout, this book: - Is clearly organised into easy digestible and accessible contents - Includes key questions, summaries, further reading and a glossary to aid and focus reading - Contains information boxes and numerous examples to help you review and apply the concepts covered Written by authors renowned in the field and with extensive teaching experience, this book is essential reading for upper-level undergraduate and postgraduate students of food microbiology, food safety and food science, in addition to professionals working in these areas.
Microbial Foodborne Diseases: Mechanisms of Pathogenesis and Toxin Synthesis
by Deepak Bhatnagar Jeffrey W. Cary John E. LinzThrough the use of molecular and cellular biological techniques, numerous advances have been made in understanding the molecular basis of virulence mechanisms and toxin biosynthesis in organisms that contaminate food and feed. Microbial Foodborne Diseases: Mechanisms of Pathogenesis and Toxin Synthesis serves as an advanced text on these techniques
Microbial Fuel Cell (Green Energy and Technology)
by Abu Zahrim Yaser Hafiza Shukor Muaz Mohd Zaini MakhtarThis book highlights current efforts and research (in Malaysia) on Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) approach as a core technique for sludge treatment and energy recovery. It also includes health and socioeconomic perspectives used in this approach. The book begins with an overview of sludge in waste treatment plants and the efficient generation of renewable energy through dewatered sludge bioconversion via MFC. It presents the use of Electrogenic Bacteria (EB) for accelerating the hydrolysis treatment of sludge and the determination of metabolites produced in the process. The book highlights new achievements in the purification of sludge through rubber band technology and further treatment. It discusses the recovery of beneficial biodegradable polymer compounds that are added value for the plastic industry and presents safety issues of sludge on human health. Further, it presents a case study on the MFC project for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, and includes the economic perspective of innovation in energy. The book ends with various ways forward toward improving renewable energy production and clean waste treatment.
Microbial Fuel Cell Technology for Bioelectricity
by Venkataraman Sivasankar Prabhakaran Mylsamy Kiyoshi OmineIn view of the increased consumption of energy due to the proliferation of electronic devices, this book addresses the trends, similarities, differences and advances in fuel cells of both chemical and biological composition. Fundamentals of microbial fuel cells are described, accompanied by details surrounding their uses and limitations. Chapters on electricigens, microbial group investigations and performance, Rumen Fluid microbes and state-of-the-art advances in microbial fuel cell technology are discussed. The book elaborates upon analytical techniques used for biofilm characterization. It also includes chapters on MFC models that include plant-based MFCs, Algal/Fungi MFCs, MDCs and MFCs using animal waste. A critical review on the performance of MFC technology in field trials is offered in an exclusively dedicated section. By addressing one of the most promising sources for clean and renewable energy, this book fills a pressing need to understand a possible solution for meeting the energy demands in our highly advanced technical world.
Microbial Fuel Cells for Environmental Remediation (Sustainable Materials and Technology)
by Akil Ahmad Mohamad Nasir Mohamad Ibrahim Asim Ali Yaqoob Siti Hamidah Mohd SetaparThis book comprehensively reviews the key topics in microbial fuel cells (MFC) and its applications in areas related to energy and environmental mitigation. It covers the microbial electrochemistry and the generation of electricity from waste, various synthesis and characterization approaches of polymer-based MFC electrodes, the multifunctional properties of a MFC which allows its simultaneous use as a fuel cell, bioremediation and biosensor device. It provides new direction to the readers to better understand the chemistry in MFC and methods to improve their desired properties. This book is a very valuable reference source for graduates and postgraduates, engineers and research scholars in the areas related to fuel cells electrochemistry and pollution mitigation.
Microbial Fuels: Technologies and Applications
by Farshad Darvishi Harzevili Ir Serge HiligsmannThe book will highlight major trends and developments in the field of microbial fuels, with contributions from a number of highly experienced researchers. It will serve as a comprehensive reference for industrial stakeholders, scientists, researchers and graduate students interested in microbial fuels. The aims of this work are to present the technologies and perspectives taking into account different socio-economical contexts. A specific chapter will focus on the general perspectives of microbial fuels for low-income and emerging countries.
Microbial Gene Essentiality: Protocols and Bioinformatics
by Svetlana Y. Gerdes Andrei L. OstermanThis book contains a comprehensive collection of experimental and computational strategies and techniques for microbial genome-scale essentiality studies, developed and presented by the leading groups in the field. It contains detailed description of the procedures, discussion of potential difficulties and failures. All protocols follow the successful Methods in Molecular BiologyTM series format.
Microbial Genetics
by Mahendra Rai Beata Zimowska Sylwia OkońThis comprehensive book explores both the fundamental and practical aspects of microbial genetics, shedding light on viroids, viruses, phytoplasma, bacteria, fungi, and protozoa. Unveiling a fresh perspective, the book tackles traditional taxonomical debates by embracing DNA-based taxonomy, offering a novel approach to understanding phylogeny within this microbe realm. Furthermore, it delves into the exciting realm of metagenomics, revolutionizing the identification and classification of unculturable microorganisms. Written by leading experts, this essential reading material caters to students and researchers in Microbiology, Genetics, and Biotechnology.
Microbial Genomic Islands in Adaptation and Pathogenicity
by Vijai Singh Indra Mani Khalid J. Alzahrani Dinh-Toi ChuThis book elucidates the role of microbial genomic islands (GEIs) in genome stability, plasticity, evolutionary adaptation, and pathogenicity in the bacterial population. The initial chapters of the book present tools, including bioinformatics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, next-generation sequencing, and molecular biology techniques, for the analysis of the genomic islands. The book also discusses the importance of genomic islands in bacterial speciation, acquisition of genes related to resistome, nitrogen fixation, mobilomes, and nutritional fitness and adaptation. It provides recent advances in understanding microbial genomic islands' distribution, evolution, and mechanistic modes of behavior in pathogenic, non-pathogenic, and environmental species. This book is a valuable source for beginners in molecular microbiology, students, researchers, clinicians, stakeholders, and policymakers interested in understanding the role of GEIs in the adaptive evolution of microorganisms.
Microbial Genomics and Drug Discovery
by Thomas J. Dougherty Steven J. ProjanExploring innovative routes of drug discovery in the postgenomic era, Microbial Genomics and Drug Discovery examines bioinformatic and genomic approaches for the identification, detection, selection, and validation of new antibacterial targets and vaccine candidates. The book discusses potential pathways for effective infection control, inhibition of antibacterial resistance, and acceleration of the drug discovery process. This comprehensive reference describes procedures to recognize common targets in various bacterial species for the design of broad-spectrum antibiotics and clearly illustrates the use of pathway tools in a genomics-based drug discovery project.
Microbial Genomics in Sustainable Agroecosystems: Volume 1
by Pradeep Kumar Vijay Tripathi Pooja Tripathi Amit KishoreIn recent decades, significant advances in new methodologies like DNA sequencing and high-throughput sequencing have been used to identify microorganisms and monitor their interactions with different environments. Microbial genomics techniques are opening new approaches to microbiology by revealing how microorganisms affect human beings and the environment. This book covers four major areas: 1) Environmental microbial genomics, 2) Microbial genomics in human health, 3) Microbial genomics in crop improvement and plant health protection, and 4) Genome analysis of microbial pathogens. Within these areas, the topics addressed include: microbial genome diversity, evolution, and microbial genome sequencing; bioinformatics and microarray-based genomic technologies; functional genomics of bioremediation of soil and water from organic and inorganic pollutants and carbon management; functional genomics of microbial pathogens and relevant microorganisms; functional genomics of model microorganisms; and applied functional genomics. Given its scope, the book offers a comprehensive source of information on the latest applications of microorganisms and microbial genomics to enhance the sustainability of agriculture and the environment.
Microbial Genomics in Sustainable Agroecosystems: Volume 2
by Pradeep Kumar Madhu Kamle Vijay Tripathi Pooja Tripathi Amit KishoreToday, microbiology is a rapidly growing discipline in the life sciences, and the technologies are evolving on a virtually daily basis. Next-generation sequencing technologies have revolutionized microbial analysis, and can help us understand the biology and genomic diversity of various bacterial species with significant impacts on agro-ecosystems. In addition, advances in molecular biology and microbiology techniques hold the potential to improve the productivity and sustainability of agriculture and forestry.This new volume addresses the role of microbial genomics in understanding the living systems that exist in the soil and their interactions with plants, an aspect that is also important for crop improvement. The topics covered focus on a deeper and clearer understanding of how microbes cause diseases, the genome-based development of novel antibacterial agents and vaccines, and the role of microbial genomics in crop improvement and agroforestry. Given its scope, the book offers a valuable resource for researchers and students of agriculture and infectious biology.
Microbial Inoculants: Applications for Sustainable Agriculture (Interdisciplinary Biotechnological Advances)
by Parul Chaudhary Anuj ChaudharyThis book discusses the role of microbes in agriculture for plant attributes, soil fertility, and bio-remediation, which aid in sustainable agriculture. Nowadays, due to increase in human population, it is essential to increase food productivity in the near future, but exhaustive non-sustainable agricultural practices such as the usage of agrochemicals threaten food security, the economy, and the environment globally. Soil deterioration is the most serious environmental threat to food production, resulting in poverty and hunger in developing countries. As a result, the global community has faced challenges regarding the development of ecologically sound, efficient, and long-term alternative options to meet rising food requirements. Therefore, to contribute to food security, the advancement of sustainable and innovative modern agriculture aimed at addressing environmental, economic, and social challenges connected with present intense non-sustainable agriculture practices is required. As a result, beneficial microbial inoculants will be widely used in the development of new strategies to increase sustainable food production. Bioinoculant application helps to provide nutrients that directly support soil health and sustainable food production. Hence, this book offers the role of microbial inoculants for better agronomical performance for sustainable advancement in agriculture and also pays attention to soil health improvement for extensive period benefits. The book will be highly recommended for agriculture microbiologists, agronomists, plant pathologists, and related areas.
Microbial Interventions in Agriculture and Environment: Volume 1 : Research Trends, Priorities and Prospects
by Vijai Kumar Gupta Dhananjaya Pratap Singh Ratna PrabhaMicrobial communities and their functions play a crucial role in the management of ecological, environmental and agricultural health on the Earth. Microorganisms are the key identified players for plant growth promotion, plant immunization, disease suppression, induced resistance and tolerance against stresses as the indicative parameters of improved crop productivity and sustainable soil health. Beneficial belowground microbial interactions with the rhizosphere help plants mitigate drought and salinity stresses and alleviate water stresses under the unfavorable environmental conditions in the native soils. Microorganisms that are inhabitants of such environmental conditions have potential solutions for them. There are potential microbial communities that can degrade xenobiotic compounds, pesticides and toxic industrial chemicals and help remediate even heavy metals, and thus they find enormous applications in environmental remediation. Microbes have developed intrinsic metabolic capabilities with specific metabolic networks while inhabiting under specific conditions for many generations and, so play a crucial role. The book Microbial Interventions in Agriculture and Environment is an effort to compile and present a great volume of authentic, high-quality, socially-viable, practical and implementable research and technological work on microbial implications. The whole content of the volume covers protocols, methodologies, applications, interactions, role and impact of research and development aspects on microbial interventions and technological outcomes in prospects of agricultural and environmental domain including crop production, plan-soil health management, food & nutrition, nutrient recycling, land reclamation, clean water systems and agro-waste management, biodegradation & bioremediation, biomass to bioenergy, sanitation and rural livelihood security. The covered topics and sub-topics of the microbial domain have high implications for the targeted and wide readership of researchers, students, faculty and scientists working on these areas along with the agri-activists, policymakers, environmentalists, advisors etc. in the Government, industries and non-government level for reference and knowledge generation.
Microbial Interventions in Agriculture and Environment: Volume 2: Rhizosphere, Microbiome and Agro-ecology
by Vijai Kumar Gupta Dhananjaya Pratap Singh Ratna PrabhaMicrobial communities and their functions play a crucial role in the management of ecological, environmental and agricultural health on the Earth. Microorganisms are the key identified players for plant growth promotion, plant immunization, disease suppression, induced resistance and tolerance against stresses as the indicative parameters of improved crop productivity and sustainable soil health. Beneficial belowground microbial interactions with the rhizosphere help plants mitigate drought and salinity stresses and alleviate water stresses under the unfavorable environmental conditions in the native soils. Microorganisms that are inhabitants of such environmental conditions have potential solutions for them. There are potential microbial communities that can degrade xenobiotic compounds, pesticides and toxic industrial chemicals and help remediate even heavy metals, and thus they find enormous applications in environmental remediation. Microbes have developed intrinsic metabolic capabilities with specific metabolic networks while inhabiting under specific conditions for many generations and, so play a crucial role. The book Microbial Interventions in Agriculture and Environment is an effort to compile and present a great volume of authentic, high-quality, socially-viable, practical and implementable research and technological work on microbial implications. The whole content of the volume covers protocols, methodologies, applications, interactions, role and impact of research and development aspects on microbial interventions and technological outcomes in prospects of agricultural and environmental domain including crop production, plan-soil health management, food & nutrition, nutrient recycling, land reclamation, clean water systems and agro-waste management, biodegradation & bioremediation, biomass to bioenergy, sanitation and rural livelihood security. The covered topics and sub-topics of the microbial domain have high implications for the targeted and wide readership of researchers, students, faculty and scientists working on these areas along with the agri-activists, policymakers, environmentalists, advisors etc. in the Government, industries and non-government level for reference and knowledge generation.
Microbial Interventions in Agriculture and Environment: Volume 3: Soil and Crop Health Management
by Dhananjaya Pratap Singh Ratna PrabhaMicrobial communities and their multi-functionalities play a crucial role in the management of soil and plant health, and thus help in managing agro-ecology, the environment and agriculture. Microorganisms are key players in N-fixation, nutrient acquisition, carbon sequestration, plant growth promotion, pathogen suppression, induced systemic resistance and tolerance against stresses, and these parameters are used as indicators of improved crop productivity and sustainable soil health. Beneficial belowground microbial interactions in the rhizosphere help plants combat abiotic challenges in the unfavourable environmental conditions of native soils. These microorganisms and their products offer potential solutions for agriculture in problematic areas since they are able to degrade xenobiotic compounds, pesticides and toxic chemicals and help remediate heavy metals in the rhizosphere and so make deteriorated soils suitable for crop production. This book compiles the latest research on the role of microbes in the rhizosphere and agro-ecology, covering interaction mechanisms, microbe-mediated crop production, plant and soil health management, food and nutrition, nutrient recycling, land reclamation, clean water systems, agro-waste management, biodegradation, bioremediation, biomass and bioenergy, sanitation and rural livelihood security. It is a comprehensive reference resource for agricultural activists, policymakers, environmentalists and advisors working for governments, non-governmental organizations and industries, helping them update their knowledge of this important, but often neglected, research area.