This volume describes methods for cultivating hydrocarbon-producing and -consuming microbes, covering compounds in a range of states, e.g. gaseous methane, liquid and solid hydrocarbons and asphaltene. Both aerobic and anaerobic degradation are considered under various environmental conditions, including extreme environments. Growth in bioreactors, as mixed communities, at low-substrate concentration and as biofilms are all discussed; further, in addition to Bacteria, this volume covers Archaea, protozoa, fungi, oleaginous yeasts and algae.
Tens of thousands of hydrocarbons, their derivatives and lipids play vital roles in all organisms, from structural cellular components to signalling molecules. The global hydrocarbon cycle, largely driven by microorganisms, has a major impact on our environment and climate. Microbes are responsible for cleaning up the environmental pollution caused by the exploitation of hydrocarbon reservoirs and will also be vital in reducing our reliance on fossil fuels by providing biofuels, plastics and industrial chemicals. Gaining an understanding of relevant functions of the wide range of microbes that produce, consume and modify hydrocarbons and related compounds will be key to responding to these challenges.
Springer Protocols provide a variety of readily reproducible laboratory and field methods essential to research in hydrocarbon and lipid microbiology, covering topics as diverse as ecology and synthetic biology. Each chapter first explains the principles underlying the methods presented, followed by step-by-step protocols. Helpful notes provide details on the essential tips and tricks that will promote good results, and so advance the field.
