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Biogeosciences in Heavy Metal-Contaminated Soils

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Bio-Geo Interactions in Metal-Contaminated Soils

Part of the book series: Soil Biology ((SOILBIOL,volume 31))

Abstract

Biogeosciences cover research from the micro to the macro scale. Element fluxes in microbial habitats have large impacts, e.g., in climate change phenomena. The strong focus on application of research and a high interdisciplinary, together with the understanding of the necessity for environmental protection, are the reasons for the fast growth of biogeosciences. This comparably young field of research integrates disciplines including hydro(geo)chemistry, plant physiology or microbiology and bacterial genetics, generally aiming at integration of effects of life (βίος) on Earth (γεος). The interference of humans with biogeochemical cycles leads to a dangerous imbalance in the overall mass balance of nature. Biogeosciences deliver tools and methods for an understanding of such anthropogenic imbalances. At the same time, the field develops means to counter-act adverse effects of disturbed matter cycling on the environment. The research field of biogeosciences arose as an answer to environmental degradation and delivers the scientific approach for measures to be taken to alleviate these deleterious effects of disequilibrium in bioremediation and phytoremediation approaches.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    The term “natural attenuation” often causes misunderstanding. Here it reflects on the whole of all physical, chemical and biological processes which are active in a particular postindustrial area without any anthropogenic intrusion. Under particular conditions, the interplay of all these processes results in a decrease of mass, toxicity, mobility, volume or concentration of pollutants in soil and groundwater. “Enhanced natural attenuation” also comprises approaches of biostimulation and bioaugmentation.

  2. 2.

    K stands for the carrying capacity in the Verhulst equation to calculate population dynamics.

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Acknowledgement

We gratefully acknowledge support from EU (UMBRELLA, 7th framework program) and of JSMC.

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  1. Microbial Phytopathology, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Neugasse 25, Jena, Germany

    Götz Haferburg & Erika Kothe

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  1. Götz Haferburg
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  2. Erika Kothe
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Correspondence to Götz Haferburg .

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  1. , Institute of Microbiology - Microbial Ph, Friedrich Schiller Universität Jena, Neugasse 25, Jena, 07745, Germany

    Erika Kothe

  2. Amity Institute of Microbial Sciences, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, 201303, Uttar Pradesh, India

    Ajit Varma

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Haferburg, G., Kothe, E. (2012). Biogeosciences in Heavy Metal-Contaminated Soils. In: Kothe, E., Varma, A. (eds) Bio-Geo Interactions in Metal-Contaminated Soils. Soil Biology, vol 31. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-23327-2_2

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