Fifteen leading scientists active in research on the chemistry, microbiology, enzymology, and genetics of coal biotransformation summarize knowledge of the mechanisms by which bacteria and fungi metabolize the macromolecular structure of lignite coals. They also explore the potential for developing commercially viable biotransformations of low rank coals into useful chemicals and clean-burning liquid and gaseous fuels. Microbial Transformations of Low Rank Coals reviews the types of aerobic and anaerobic microbes known to transform fuel and discusses the relative potential of aerobic versus anaerobic organisms. Biochemical mechanisms used by microorganisms to solubilize, depolymerize, liquify, and gasify coal are examined. The book also reviews the potential for using microorganisms to remove organic sulfur from coal and the potential for using genetic engineering to improve coal biotransforming microorganisms.