The leading text since its first edition, the Fourth Edition retains its comprehensiveness, covering both the principles of microbial ecology and the biotechnology applications critical to the field. The authors, both well-known and respected scientists, have extensively updated the Fourth Edition to incorporate the latest research and literature sources as well as new and expanded coverage of hot topics such as biofilms, thermal vent communities, extreme habitats, starvation response, molecular methods for studying microbial ecology, microbial diversity, biodegradation, and bioremediation.