Includes bibliographical references and index.

1. Microbial ecology: historical development
2. Microbial evolution and biodiversity
3. Interactions among microbial populations
4. Interactions between microorganisms and plants
5. Microbial interactions with animals
6. Development of microbial communities
7. Quantitative ecology: numbers, biomass, and activities
8. Physiological ecology of microorganisms: adaptations to environmental conditions
9. Microorganisms in their natural habitats: air, water, and soil microbiology
10. Biogeochemical cycling: carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen
11. Biogeochemical cycling: nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus, iron, and other elements
12. Ecological aspects of biodeterioration control and soil, waste, and water management
13. Microbial interactions with xenobiotic and inorganic pollutants
14. Biodegradability testing and monitoring the bioremediation of xenobiotic pollutants
15. Microorganisms in mineral and energy recovery and fuel biomass production
16. Microbial control of pests and disease-causing populations

The 4th edition of Microbial Ecology features enhanced coverage of biofilms, thermal vent communities, extreme habitats, starvation response, molecular methods for studying microbial ecology and biodiversity, biodegradation and bioremediation.