Microorganisms play an important role in ecosystem functioning. Beyond being involved in the carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur cycles, they also participate in other biogeochemical cycles. Microbial metabolic activities lie at the heart of numerous interactions between the environment, plants, and microorganisms that recruit and shape the dynamics of particular ecosystems. Simultaneously, climate change plays a vital role in the perceived temporal and spatial variations in microbial communities of particular ecosystem. Microbes are also involved in bioremediation, decomposition of organic matters, degradation of pollutants, degradation and removal of contaminants, restoration of degraded land, etc.

Plants recruit and interact with soil microorganisms that can alleviate biotic and abiotic stress in host plants. A better understanding of microbial functions will support the development of strategies for plant protection against pathogens and improve the use of beneficial microbes for specific purposes such as plant growth stimulation and increased tolerance to environmental stress. Microbial components interacting with plant signalling and the resulting cross-talk are of interest.

Bacterial quorum sensing (QS) is mediated by certain chemical signal compounds that accumulate according to population density, triggering bacterial community responses that directly contribute to pathogenesis through the synchronized production of virulence factors such as toxins, enzymes, and biofilm formation.  It has important implications in human and veterinary medicine, agriculture, as well as food safety and quality. Studies aiming at elucidating the mechanisms of bacterial virulence and cell-to-cell communication have revealed promising strategies in the development of drugs.

This Special Issue thus aims to provide a state-of-the-art overview of the role of microorganisms in ecosystems functioning under various environmental conditions. We welcome the following article types: original articles, critical reviews, mini-reviews, opinions, research notes, and short communications. Descriptions of cutting-edge methods are also accepted. In this issue, we aim to provide a snapshot of microbial biodiversity, biogeochemical cycles, bioremediation processes, decomposition of organic matters, degradation of pollutants, degradation and removal of contaminants, restoration of degraded land, environmental health sciences, and public health. We also welcome research and review articles on plant growth-promoting Rhizobacteria and quorum sensing by environmental and pathogenic bacteria.

Important Note: All contributions to this Special Issue must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. The journal reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of the peer review. Spontaneous submissions will be considered only if preceded by an abstract describing the focus of the planned contribution.

Dr. Diby Paul
Dr. Udai B. Singh
Guest Editors

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• Environmental microbiology
• Bioremediation
• Microbial biofilm
• Plant–Microbe Interaction