Environmental Microbiology

Environmental microbiology is the study of the composition and physiology of microbial communities in the environment. 

  • Environmental microbiology, as a discipline began as a somewhat marginal branch of Life Sciences which then transformed into one of the most vibrant and visible areas of contemporary research.
  • Because the environmental microbes affect many aspects of life and can be easily transported between environments, the field of environmental microbiology interacts with several different areas, including soil, aquatic, as well as water quality, bioremediation, occupational health and infection control, food safety, and industrial microbiology.
  • The initial scientific focus of environmental microbiology was on water quality management and the effect of pathogens in the environment in the context of protection of public health.
  • Water quality continues to be a significant focus in environmental microbiology because new waterborne pathogens continue to emerge.  
  • Over time, the focus has been divided into a number of different areas like soil, food, and industrial products.
  • The importance of environmental microbiology continues to grow as new microorganisms continue to emerge in different environmental sources.
  • The quality control of air, water, and land are among the most important aspects of environmental microbiology which directly affects the health of all living beings.
  • Besides, the ecological balance and transfer of energy in the food chain are also studied in environmental microbiology as these are important to maintain the condition of the planet.
  • As a point where climate change and global warming are becoming important discussions throughout the world, environmental microbiology is considered one of the tools to alleviate the planet from such dreadful conditions.
  • Besides, the techniques developed in environmental microbiology like wastewater management, air purification, and land refills are tools to protect the quality of life.
  • Environmental microbiology, together with other areas like biotechnology and molecular biology forms an interdisciplinary subject that encompasses different avenues of life.