Main description:

Based on the "International Symposium of Molecular Environmental Soil Science at the Interfaces in the Earth's Critical Zone," this book focuses on the Critical Zone supporting life at the Earth's surface with emphasis on the new and emerging subject area of molecular environmental soil science. Advances in research methodology, the use of synchrotron radiation in particular, are extensively reviewed. Roles of microbes, biomolecules, and environmental nanoparticles in mineral transformations, metal cycling, degradation of natural and anthropogenic organic compounds are also extensively reviewed. It is unique in terms of facilitating the integration of contributions from traditionally separate disciplines and adding a molecular and nanoparticle (therefore chemical) dimension to a field of endeavour that has traditionally been viewed on a different scale (dimension). It will also contribute to identifying knowledge gaps, providing future research directions and promoting research and education at the molecular level in this extremely important and challenging area of science for years to come. The IUPAC Project Committee noted that the Conference identifies, and builds on, the need to view and understand the Critical Zone at the molecular level. The book will be an invaluable reference for research and education.

Contents:

Dynamics of persistent organic pollutants in soil environment and their interaction with organic matter and root exudates.-
Microbial extracellular enzymes and the degradation of natural and synthetic polymers in soil.-
Structure, biological activity and environmental fate of insecticidal Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) Cry proteins of bacterial and genetically modified plant origin.-
The role of bacteria and archaea in nitrification, nitrate leaching and nitrous oxide emissions in nitrogen-rich grassland soils.-
Advances in the use of synchrotron radiation to elucidate environmental interfacial reaction processes and mechanisms in the Earth's critical zone.-
Microbial roles in mineral transformations and metal cycling in the Earth's critical zone.-
Role of biomolecules in influencing transformation mechanisms of metals and metalloids in soil environments.-
Mechanisms for the interaction between heavy metals and variable charge surfaces.-
The electrostatic field effect from surface charges on ion diffusion/adsorption in the soil.-
Effects of "aging" on bioreactive chemical retention, transformation, and transport in soil.-
Sorption comparison between pharmaceuticals and hydrophobic organic chemicals in soils and sediments.-
Adsorption of organic compounds by black carbon from aqueous solution.-
Subsoil acidification in farming systems: its possible causes and management options.-
Microbial indicators of soil quality in upland soils.-
Impacts of agricultural management practices on soil physical, chemical and biological properties.