Microbial Diversity in Extreme Environments

Dear Colleagues,

Extreme environments are described as those where one or more physicochemical parameters reach values far from those considered normal for human life. The exploration of remotes corners of the earth has allowed scientists to find microbial life in inhospitable environments like the bottom of the sea, high-altitude deserts, acidic high-temperature hot springs, ice caves in Antarctica, and even in some environments derived from the negative impact of anthropogenic activities, such as acid mine drainage. The assessment of microbial diversity in such extreme environments has increased in the last decades, surely due to the massive use of high-throughput sequencing techniques. Although this kind of assessment is relevant by itself, as microbial diversity is an essential part of the patrimony of each geographic area, it is clear that the driving force to study the microorganisms that inhabit such remarkable environments goes far beyond their mere taxonomic identification. The bacteria, archaea, and the less known eukaryotes that develop in extreme environments open the door to the study of many topics, from their impact on the local biogeochemical cycles or the discovery of novel enzymatic pathways, to the possible biotechnological uses of their species or enzymes. Besides, it is well known that extreme environments are niches of novel species not yet cultured or characterized.

In this context, this Special Issue of Microorganisms invites you to send contributions concerning any aspect related to the microbial diversity found in any extreme environment, natural or of anthropogenic origin, or the potentialities of the bacteria, archaea, or eukaryotes that inhabit them. The topics comprised in this Special Issue are taxonomic diversity assessment, characterization of novel species, biogeochemical interrelationships, temporal/spatial evolution of microbial communities exposed to changes in their environment, and potential biotechnological applications of extremophiles obtained from certain extreme environments.

Prof. Dr. Rajesh K. K. Sani
Dr. Edgardo Rubén Donati
Dr. María Sofía Urbieta
Guest Editors

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