Aquatic Microbiology (Coursework Sample)

Aquatic Microbiology
Definition
Aquatic microbiology is the study of microorganisms and their activities in fresh and marine water including rivers, lakes, springs and sea.
It is the study of microorganism’s viruses, bacteria, algae, protozoa and microscopic fungi which inhabit these natural waters. Some of these microorganisms are indigenous to natural bodies of water other are entering to water from soil or from industrial or domestic wastes.
Importance
Aquatic microorganisms and their activities have great importance in many ways.
1 They may affect human health and other animal life. They are responsible for many diseases like typhoid, cholera, dysentery, campylobacter enteritis.
2 They occupy a high position in food chain by providing rich nourishment for the next higher level of aquatic life.
3 They are instrumental in the chain of biochemical reactions which involve recycling of element. e.g. mineralization of organic compounds i.e. the dissimilation of organic compounds to carbon dioxide , water and various inorganic salts
4 The natural water is major food source.
Bacteriological evidences of pollution
Analysis of water sample on a routine basis is not possible. Each pathogen  to a sterile Petri dish containing me