The Ecological Role of Micro-organisms in the Antarctic Environment

This book provides up-to-date multidisciplinary information regarding microbial physiological groups in terms of their role in the Antarctic ecology. How do microorganisms shape the Antarctic environment? The book presents a thorough overview of the most important physiological microbial groups or microbial systems that shape the Antarctic environment. Each microbial model is described in terms of their physiology and metabolism, and their role in the Antarctic environmental sustainability. The individual chapters prepare readers for understanding the relevance of the microbial models from both an historical perspective, and considering the latest developments. This book will appeal to researchers and teachers interested in the Antarctic science, but also to students who want to understand the role of microbes in the ecology of extreme environments.

About the Author

Dr. Susana Castro-Sowinski is Ph.D. in Chemistry and has completed her academic training at the Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Robert Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment in Rehovot, Israel. Currently, she is Associate Professor at the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Section, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad de la República, in Montevideo, Uruguay, and member of the Researcher National System (SNI), the Program for Developing Basic Sciences (PEDECIBA) and the Editorial Board of Symbiosis (Springer) and Environmental Sustainability (Springer). Her specific area of research has been the molecular-plant microbe interaction, but currently, she is exploring a new area of research, focusing her work on the microbial ecology of Antarctic systems and the development of biotechnological products using the genetic material of Antarctic microorganisms.

Professor Castro-Sowinski has 40 research papers published in international journals, six book chapters and has edited one book. She has tutored many postgraduate students in the areas of the potential use of microorganisms in the development of the biotechnological application. She also teaches biochemistry and biotechnology for graduate students in three different courses (Biochemistry, Introductory Course to Antarctic Research and Antarctic Summer School; Faculty of Sciences, Universidad de la República).