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Challenges, Options and Future Research Needs

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Abstract

Microorganisms can contribute to solve current global challenges. The use of microorganisms to abate climate change, combat pathogens, improve soil fertility, and produce bioenergy is offering a great potential. Microorganisms facilitate the conversion of organic waste to soil amendment, or compost using composting approaches; where composting of organic waste is already established, the use of compost as a landfill cover to abate green-house gas emission shows to be promising. Bionergy is seen as one of the primary possibilities for preventing climate change. New techniques have been devised for the utilization of second generation biomass feedstock for energy production, including fermentation and anaerobic digestion. It is suggested that further research needs should be oriented towards the improvement of soil quality and fertility, the adaptation of agricultural management and technologies to climate change and the development of renewable energies.

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Correspondence to Juan Luis Turrion-Gomez .

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Turrion-Gomez, J.L., Antizar-Ladislao, B. (2010). Challenges, Options and Future Research Needs. In: Insam, H., Franke-Whittle, I., Goberna, M. (eds) Microbes at Work. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-04043-6_16

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