Environmental Isotopes in Biodegradation and Bioremediation. 2009. b/w illus. tabs. 288 p. gr8vo. Hardcover.

Enhanced analytical capabilities and separation techniques, improved detection limits, and accessibility of instrumentation have led to massive strides in the use of isotopes to assess microbial processes in surface and subsurface sediments. The book comprehensively covers established and emerging isotope methods for environmental applications, focusing on biodegradation and bioremediation. This book is divided into four sections: 1: Isotope Fundamentals covers important background and theoretical information needed to understand later chapters. 2: Isotopes and Microbial Processes discusses the application of isotopes to different environmental redox conditions that dictate the predominant microbial processes that will occur. 3: Isotopes in Field Applications describes the transformation of anthropogenic pollutants and the application of isotope tools to field sites. 4: Isotope Emerging Areas addresses the use of compounds labeled with stable isotopes, including stable isotope probing and the use of radiocarbon at natural abundance and novel stable isotopes. To illustrate concepts and methodology, the authors use a wide range of case studies and recent field and laboratory research from various disciplines currently employing these methods. This book is a tool for expanding the application of both stable isotopes and radioisotopes into untapped areas.