This well-referenced, inquiry-driven text presents an up-to-date and comprehensive understanding of the emerging field of environmental microbiology.

• Coherent and comprehensive treatment of the dynamic, emerging field of environmental microbiology
• Emphasis on real-world habitats and selective pressures experienced by naturally occurring microorganisms
• Case studies and “Science and the Citizen” features relate issues in the public’s mind to the underlying science
• Unique emphasis on current methodologies and strategies for conducting environmental microbiological research, including methods, logic, and data interpretation