Anaerobic microorganisms, Bacteria and Achaea, have an essential role in the global biogeochemical cycles. Anaerobes are redox specialists and are responsible for the natural recycling of redox-active chemical elements abundant in the biosphere (carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, iron, and phosphorus) as well as of various other elements present in small amounts, such as iron. Biogeochemical cycles influence our climate, wastewater treatment, biofuels production, are essential for food production, and contribute to important processes in our intestinal tract.
The anaerobic cycling of nutrients requires complex micro biome interactions. An exceptionally diverse world of microorganisms inhabits the anaerobic environments on earth. These microorganisms obtain their energy by fermentation and anaerobic respiration; in addition, phototrophic and chemoautotrophic processes operate in the absence of oxygen. Despite the fundamental importance of anaerobes, many uncertainties remain about them and the processes in which they are involved.
In this Special Issue of Microorganisms, dedicated to Anaerobes in Biogeochemical Cycles, we invite you to send your contributions concerning any aspects related to anaerobic microbes involved in biogeochemical and nutrient cycling or conversion, from the ecology of anaerobic habitats to the physiology of novel species, and from fundamental to applied aspects.