Aerophytic Algae and Cyanobacteria: Diversity, Ecology, and Biogeography expands our understanding of microalgae and cyanobacteria that colonize air-exposed substrates. These species, often overlooked in marine and freshwater studies, play crucial roles in various ecosystems. Introductory chapters cover their morphology, physiological adaptations, and biogeography, highlighting their ecological significance and interactions within ecosystems. Other sections addresses future research directions, applications in environmental assessments, conservation, water and air quality management, bioremediation, and pollution control. The book, authored by a global team of phycologists, also explores taxa such as edaphic and corticolous diatoms, aeroplanktonic protists, and phototrophic phytotelmata. Offers a comprehensive view of the diversity, distribution, and dispersal of aerophytic algae - Discusses the importance of studying aerophytic algae, their habitats, and techniques used in their investigation - Highlights the need for conservation, discusses research gaps, and provides a summary of existing studies Provides a detailed examination of the diversity, distribution, and ecological significance of aerophytic algae and cyanobacteria Aerophytic Algae and Cyanobacteria expands our knowledge of the diversity and distribution of microalgae and cyanobacteria. Often believed to be limited to marine and freshwater habitats, these taxa contain species capable of colonizing substrates exposed to air. These species play a significant role in a variety of ecosystems, yet their specific ecological functions and interactions are not fully understood. This resource helps to uncover their ecological significance and contribute to our understanding of ecosystem dynamics. Written by a global team of expert phycologists, this book introduces the reader to the fundamentals of aerophytic algal biology and ecology. Introductory chapters describe the morphology, physiological adaptations, and biogeography of these unique species. Subsequent chapters systematically explore various taxa, including edaphic and corticolous diatoms, aeroplanktonic protists, phototrophic phytotelmata and dendrotelmata, and lampenflora. The book concludes with a look at the future directions of research within the field of phycology, their applications, and associated challenges. Aerophytic Algae and Cyanobacteria delves into the unexpectedly diverse world of aerophytic algae, highlighting the various applications of this knowledge to environmental assessments, conservation efforts, water and air quality management, bioremediation, and pollution control and monitoring. It is an indispensable resource for phycologists, ecologists, environmental scientists and engineers, microbiologists, resource managers and policymakers, and students alike. Dr. Saúl Blanco is Associate Professor of Ecology at the University of Leon. He obtained his MSc from the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and his PhD from the National University of Distance Education. His research focuses on taxonomy, ecology, and biogeography of continental diatoms and he is on the Editorial Board of four indexed journals. He has written 4 books, including Modern Trends in Diatom Identification (Springer).