Nematodes as Environmental Indicators

Nematodes are the most wide spread multicellular animals in nature and analysis of nematodes in terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments as well as their role and function in ecosystems, can be used for environmental monitoring. Compared to other organisms, they offer the greatest potential as bioindicators and can be used to study gene expression in relation to environmental challenges, to monitor changing impacts on the environment and in laboratory ecotoxicity tests. This volume will address classical and molecular approaches to nematode community analysis, the contemporary field of nematodes as biosensors, as well as genomic aspects of nematode bioindicators. In addition, case studies will stress the importance of these bioindicators and demonstrate the commercial potential of these technologies.

Michael Wilson started studying nematodes in the late 1980s at the University of Bristol's Long Ashton Research Station, where he studied the use of nematode parasites as a means of biological control of slug pests. Following two years of post-doctoral study in the Rutgers University, New Jersey USA he returned the the UK as a lecturer in the University of Aberdeen Scotland where he has been since, studying a wide range of nematodes and their interactions with other organisms and the environment.

PART I. Nematodes and Bioindication - General Considerations