Microbial Ecology and Pollution (MBI 340)

Microbial ecology is the study of microorganisms in their natural habitats and how they interact with each other and with the environment. Environmental microbiology, on the other hand, is the study of microorganisms in various environmental settings, such as soil, water, air, and sediments. Both fields are closely related and have important implications for understanding microbial diversity, evolution, and ecosystem functioning. Microbial ecology focuses on the interactions between microorganisms, their environment, and other organisms, including plants and animals. These interactions can be either beneficial or harmful, depending on the context. For example, some microorganisms are essential for nutrient cycling and soil fertility, while others can cause disease in plants or animals. Microorganisms play critical roles in many ecosystem processes, such as carbon and nitrogen cycling, and are often used as indicators of environmental health. Understanding the distribution and abundance of microorganisms in different environments can provide insights into the biogeochemical cycles of elements and the effects of human activities on the environment. Both microbial ecology and environmental microbiology have important applications in biotechnology, agriculture, and medicine.