International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation publishes original research papers and reviews on the biological causes of deterioration or degradation. - The causes may be macro- or microbiological, whose origins may be aerial, aquatic, or terrestrial. - The effects may include corrosion, fouling, rotting, decay, infection, disfigurement, toxification, weakening or processes that liquefy, detoxify, or mineralize. - The materials affected may include natural, synthetic or refined materials [such as metals, hydrocarbons and oils, foodstuffs and beverages, pharmaceuticals, cellulose and wood, plastics and polymers, fibres, paper, leather, waste materials or any other material of commercial importance]; and structures or systems [such as buildings, works of art, processing equipment, etc.] as well as hazardous wastes, and includes environmental and occupational health aspects resulting from the activities of the biological agents described above. Papers on all aspects of cause, mode of action, treatment, protection and prevention, analysis and testing, detoxification, upgrading, commercial implications, biocides and substitutes and related areas are welcome. International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation is the official journal of The Biodeterioration Society and groups affiliated to the International Biodeterioration Society. For more information visit the Biodeterioration Society website