This is the third volume of Advances in Microbial Ecology to be produced by the current editorial board. I would, therefore, like to take this opportunity to thank my co-editors for all their efforts, particularly in maintaining a balance of subject matter and geographical distribution of the contributions. Volume 15 is no exception in that we have a balance between the prokaryo tic and eukaryotic organisms and a range of subject matter from applied ecology through process ecology to ecological theory. The response from our readers has been encouraging in the sense that the breadth of coverage is much appreciated, particularly by teachers and postgraduate/postdoctoral researchers. However, we still strive to improve our coverage and particularly to move wider than the North America/Europe axis for contributions. Similarly, we would like to see coverage of the more unusual microbes, perhaps a chapter devoted to the ecology of a particular species or genus. There must exist many ecological notes on "rarer" organisms that have not found their way into the standard textbooks or taxonomic volumes; properly compiled these could provide valuable information for the field ecologist. Ecological theory has, until recently, been the domain of the "macroecolo gist. " Recent advances in molecular techniques will ensure that the microbial ecologist will playa more significant role in the development of the subject. We shall not, therefore, change our policy of encouraging our contributors to specu late, permitting them sufficient space to develop their ideas.

If present trends continue, most climatologists agree that the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere will have doubled by the year 2050. This increase in CO 2 will have a major effect on the global climate and substantially alter the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of lakes throughout the world. In recent years, it has become clear that year-to-year changes in the weather have a major effect on the seasonal dynamics of lakes. Many water quality problems that were once regarded as "local" phenomena are now known to be influenced by changes in the weather that operate on a regional or even global scale. For example, blooms of toxic blue-green algae can be induced by prolonged reductions in the intensity of wind-mixing as well as increased supplies of nutrients. Long-term studies in the English Lake District have shown that many of these variations are quasi-cyclical in nature and can be related to long-term changes in the distribution of atmospheric pressure over the Atlantic Ocean. It is not yet clear what effect these changes have on the dynamics of European lakes but much of the historical data required to extend these analyses to continental Europe is already available. In the early 1970s the International Biological Programme served as a particularly effective focus for comparative limnological research in eastern as well as western Europe.

Implications of Resource-Ratio Theory for Microbial Ecology; V.H. Smith. 13C Tracer Methodology in Microbial Ecology with Special Reference to Primary Production Processes in Aquatic Environments; T. Hama, et al. Sex in Ciliates; F. Dini, D. Nyberg. Microbial Ecology in Lake Ciso; C. PedroAlio, R. Guerrero. Biological Activities of Symbiotic and Parasitic Protists in Low Oxygen Environments; A.G. Williams, D. Lloyd. Polymorphism in Bacteria; P.B. Rainey, et al. Decomposition of Shoots of a Saltmarsh Grass; S.Y. Newell. Dynamics of Autotrophic Picoplankton in Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems; T. Weisse. Bacterial Growth Rates and Production As Determined by [3HMethyl]thymidine? R.D. Robarts, T. Zohary. Index.

Kevin Marshall is a hard act to follow. Volume 13 of Advances in Microbial Ecology has been produced by a new editorial board, and we, the members of that board, are delighted to have the opportunity to pay tribute to Kevin's achievements. In his time as Series Editor, the quality of the chapters submitted and the range of subject matter covered have ensured an expanding and more stimulated readership. This represents a considerable achievement, given the growth in the number of review volumes and the increasing tendency for journals to publish review articles. The achievement was reached not only through metic ulous attention to quality and detail but also by providing a forum for the expression of views, information, and results that would stimulate discussion. Advances in Microbial Ecology will continue to provide such a focus, although, because of the frequency of publication, it would not be practicable to introduce a "reply" or "comment" section. Although we do not deliberately aim to provide a forum for controversy, we encourage speculation based on sound scientific arguments. In addition, we would like to encourage authors to offer chapters for consideration. In the past, the volumes have largely comprised invited chapters. With the best will in the world, an editorial board of four cannot claim adequate coverage of such a vast and rapidly developing research area. We would there fore welcome submission of outline plans for chapters, which should be sent to the Editor.

If present trends continue, most climatologists agree that the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere will have doubled by the year 2050. This increase in CO 2 will have a major effect on the global climate and substantially alter the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of lakes throughout the world. In recent years, it has become clear that year-to-year changes in the weather have a major effect on the seasonal dynamics of lakes. Many water quality problems that were once regarded as "local" phenomena are now known to be influenced by changes in the weather that operate on a regional or even global scale. For example, blooms of toxic blue-green algae can be induced by prolonged reductions in the intensity of wind-mixing as well as increased supplies of nutrients. Long-term studies in the English Lake District have shown that many of these variations are quasi-cyclical in nature and can be related to long-term changes in the distribution of atmospheric pressure over the Atlantic Ocean. It is not yet clear what effect these changes have on the dynamics of European lakes but much of the historical data required to extend these analyses to continental Europe is already available. In the early 1970s the International Biological Programme served as a particularly effective focus for comparative limnological research in eastern as well as western Europe.

What happens when evil wins? That's the question Superman, Batman, the Justice League, and every being in the DCU have to face when Darkseid and his otherworldly legion of narcissistic followers actually win the war between light and dark. Featuring the deaths and resurrections of major DC characters, 'Final Crisis' is more than your average multi-part event - it's a deconstruction of Super Hero comics and a challenging, thought-provoking take on the modern, four-colour icons.

This is the third volume of Advances in Microbial Ecology to be produced by the current editorial board. I would, therefore, like to take this opportunity to thank my co-editors for all their efforts, particularly in maintaining a balance of subject matter and geographical distribution of the contributions. Volume 15 is no exception in that we have a balance between the prokaryo tic and eukaryotic organisms and a range of subject matter from applied ecology through process ecology to ecological theory. The response from our readers has been encouraging in the sense that the breadth of coverage is much appreciated, particularly by teachers and postgraduate/postdoctoral researchers. However, we still strive to improve our coverage and particularly to move wider than the North America/Europe axis for contributions. Similarly, we would like to see coverage of the more unusual microbes, perhaps a chapter devoted to the ecology of a particular species or genus. There must exist many ecological notes on "rarer" organisms that have not found their way into the standard textbooks or taxonomic volumes; properly compiled these could provide valuable information for the field ecologist. Ecological theory has, until recently, been the domain of the "macroecolo gist. " Recent advances in molecular techniques will ensure that the microbial ecologist will playa more significant role in the development of the subject. We shall not, therefore, change our policy of encouraging our contributors to specu late, permitting them sufficient space to develop their ideas.