Environmental Microbiology

Environmental microbiology is the study of microorganisms—like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa—in natural environments such as soil, water, and air. It examines how these tiny organisms interact with their surroundings and influence important processes like nutrient cycling, decomposition, and pollutant breakdown. By understanding these interactions, scientists can address environmental issues, such as soil degradation and water contamination, and develop technologies for bioremediation—using microbes to clean up hazardous substances. This field connects closely with environmental chemistry, which looks at the chemical processes in these ecosystems, highlighting the vital roles organisms play in Earth's health.