There is no doubt that processes on the surface of this planet, and increasingly in wet porous rocks beneath the surface, are mediated by microorganisms.I often say that we will never understand the environment until we describe the actions of the thousands of species beneath our feet.The study of microbiological processes was delayed until we had access to modern micro-analytical techniques and particularly modern high-resolution transmission electron microscopy.This volume published by Kanazawa University and edited by a master electron microscopist, Dr. Kazue Tazaki, demonstrates the incredible processes in the brilliantly coloured biofilms observed in a host of environments.As stated in the opening chapter: "Bacteria play an important role in the concentrations, crystallization, transportation and sedimentation of almost all elements in the Earth's environment.In the geo-, aqua-, and eco-systems, microbial mats of bacterial colonies with biominerals are an exciting area of study.Bacterial biomineralization plays a key role in the remediation of toxic heavy metals in polluted soils and water systems at abandoned mining sites.Colourful microbial mats can be seen in hot springs and geothermal areas.The biomineral assemblages can include carbonates, silicates, Fe-Mn oxides, hydrated phosphates, sulfides and clay minerals formed through bacterial activities.The nature of the assemblage is dependent on temperature, pH, Eh, DO and EC conditions.Electron microscopic techniques in geo-microbiology have opened a new world of observation in the geosciences.The objectives of this study is to introduce the natural occurrence of biominerals in microbial in Japan to better understand the role of bacteria in their nucleation and crystallization."The volume described biomats from various places in Japan illustrating diverse environments and processes.These include waterfalls, ponds, hot springs, mines for various metals, beach environments, even from the Okinawa Trough and seafloor hydrothermal systems near the Iheya Ridge.Biominerals described include: silicates, Fe-Mn oxides, pyrite, quartz and various states of silica, carbonates, copper, illites, nontronite, barite, smectites and many others.
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