Among the goals of environmentally sound waste treatment is the recycling of organic wastes. The most practiced options are composting and anaerobic digestion, both processes being carried out by microorganisms. This book provides an overview of the various ways microbes are doing their job and gives the reader an impression of their potential.

The sixteen chapters of this book summarize the advantages and disadvantages of treatment processes, whether they are aerobic like composting or work without oxygen like anaerobic digestion for biogas (methane) production. These chapters show the potential of microorganisms to create valuable resources from otherwise wasted materials. These resources include profitable organic, humus-like soil conditioners or fertilizer components which are often suppressive to plant diseases. Composts may thus improve soil carbon sequestration, or support sustainable agriculture by reducing the need for mineral fertilizers or pesticides. If anaerobic digestion is used, the biogas produced may replace fossil fuels. Thus, proper biological waste treatment with the help of microorganisms should contribute to a reduction of anthropogenic greenhouse gas production.

Microbes in Aerobic and Anaerobic Waste Treatment

Recent Developments in Bio-Energy Recovery Through Fermentation
Syntrophic Communities in Methane Formation from High Strength Wastewaters
Biogas Technology - Controlled Gas Flow for Enhanced Mixing, Heating, and Desulfurization
Vermicomposting: Earthworms Enhance the Work of Microbes
Compost Microbial Activity Related to Compost Stability
Utility of Molecular Tools in Monitoring Large Scale Composting
Production and Utilization of Suppressive Compost: Environmental, Food and Health Benefits
Sanitation by Composting
Microbial Antagonists in Animal Health Promotion and Plant Protection
Interactions Between Beneficial and Harmful Microorganisms: From the Composting Process to Compost Application
Compost Microbial Populations and Interactions with Plants
Soil Degradation and Rehabilitation: Microorganisms and Functionality
Do Composts Affect the Soil Microbial Community?
Production and Application of Bioorganic Fertilizers for Organic Farming Systems in Thailand: A Case Study
Challenges, Options and Future Research Needs.