Microorganisms are all around us
Most people are familiar with microbes that make humans sick. Some also know about the bacteria responsible for fermentation in some of our favorite foods. But there are thousands of other microbial species living all around us. They can be found in and on our bodies, in the soil, in lakes and oceans, in the air, on surfaces... anywhere you can imagine. And less than 1% of them have been cultured in a laboratory.
Individual microorganisms vary widely in their metabolic capabilities. They process everything from nitrogen and carbon compounds found in nature, to pharmaceuticals, emerging pollutants, and microplastics.
When these microbes combine in communities, their powers become even greater. Microbial communities work together to help plants grow, cycle nutrients, treat water and wastewater, and keep our bodies healthy. Microbial ecology allows us to understand these communities, how they function, and how they can be harnessed to work for us!