(MBIO 340) Microbial Ecology & Pollution

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.