Microorganisms are the oldest form of life on Earth and can be found everywhere, from the depths of the ocean to forest floors, and even outer space and beyond. Environmental microbiology is the study of how microbes interact with the environment and each other, including their effects on the landscape, the spread of viruses and bacteria, the distribution of algae, fungi and parasitical organisms and the associated implications for human health and the environment.

Environmental microbiology can be traced to studies of municipal waste treatment and disposal. In the first Edition of Environmental Microbiology, we recognized that this field had expanded to the study of earth, water, and air systems, including the interaction of indigenous microbes with organic and inorganic pollutants, behavior of pathogens introduced into these systems, and the discovery and application of new microbes and their products to benefit human health and welfare. In the intervening years since, there has been a virtual explosion of knowledge on microbial diversity and communities in various environments.

 As a result, in the second edition of Environmental Microbiology we have added chapters on extreme environments, as well as microbial communities and communication among microorganisms. Similarly, in recognition of ever-increasing human population pressures and climate change, we have added chapters on domestic microbiology, bioterrorism, and the impact of global change on microbial infectious disease. Microbes are everywhere, all over the world and in every imaginable environment. For example in soil, just one gram contains billions of microorganisms and all their associated activities. Imagine the challenge of studying all the major groups of microbes found in each of earth’s biomes given the magnitude of their immense diversity. Imagine then the challenge of developing strategies to harness and manipulate their activities. That is what environmental microbiology is about.

Media Contact:

Sophie Kate
Managing Editor
Microbiology: Current Research
Email: aamcr@alliedacademies.org