Ground-water Microbiology and Geochemistry – Second Edition

By

Francis H. Chapelle

Preface:-

This book is about microbial processes and how they affect the chemical composition of ground water. Ten or fifteen years ago, this topic was considered to be merely an interesting novelty. Since then it has become clear that microbial processes do more to abate and detoxify human-induced contamination of ground water systems than any other natural or human-contrived mechanism. Furthermore, it has become clear that the chemistry and water-quality of pristine ground water systems – which produce about half of the world′s drinking water, is largely determined by microbial processes. For these reasons, understanding the unique ecology of ground water resources engineering and management.

But understanding the microbiology of ground water systems, and using this understanding to solve practical water-quality problems, is not easy or straight forward. Microbiologists are trained to understand the complexity and diversity of microbial processes, but seldom have a background in geology or hydrology. Thus it is often difficult for them to appreciate how geologic and hydrologic factors mold and shape the expression of microbial processes in subsurface environments. Geoscientists, on the other hand, understand the complexities and uncertainties inherent to ground-water systems, but generally lack formal training in microbiology. Thus it is often difficult for them to appreciate how the metabolism and physiology of microorganisms can affect hydrogeologic systems. This book is specifically designed to bridge this gap between applied microbiology and applied hydrogeology. This book is also designed for civil and environmental engineers. Engineers are trained to solve problems, and thus are often called upon to find practical solutions to human induced and natural water quality problems. By giving an overview of how geologic and microbial processes interact, and by giving numerous examples of how geologic and microbial processes interact, and by giving numerous examples of how water quality problems can be addressed using this principles, this book can serve as a resource for engineers dealing with ground water quality issues.

There are many reasons for studying the microbiology of ground water systems. One reason is that they are unique ecosystems containing unique microorganisms and microbial processes. Thus, understanding these systems will contribute our overall understanding of microbial life on earth and possibly on other planets as well. Another reason is that naturally occurring water quality problems – such as excessive concentrations of dissolved sulfide or well clogging by iron- oxidizing bacteria – can be solved or mitigated by understanding the underlying microbial processes. Finally, subsurface microorganisms can help abate many kinds of environmental pollution. The common ground for each of these issues is the chemical quality of ground water. This, therefore, is the focus of this book.

Contents:-

• Overview of Microbiology.

1. History, Geology, and Microbiology.
2. Microorganisms present in the Ground water Environment.
3. Bacterial Growth.
4. Bacterial Metabolism.
5. Bacterial Genetics.
6. Microbial Ecology of Ground water systems.

• Microbial Processes in Pristine Ground water systems.

1. Abundance and Distribution of Bacteria in the Subsurface.
2. Microbiological Sampling of Subsurface Environments.
3. Biogeochemical Cycling in Ground water Systems.
4. Oxidation Reduction Processes in Ground Water Systems.

• Microbial Processes in Contaminated Ground Water Systems.

1. Microbial Acclimation to Ground Water Contamination.
2. Biodegradation and Bioremediation of Petroleum Hydrocarbons in Ground Water Systems.
3. Biodegradation and Bioremediation of Halogenated Organic Compounds in Ground Water Systems.

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Prep/ Asmaa Ahmed
Manage/ Mona Mahmoud