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Related Concept Videos

Microbial Wastewater Treatment01:30

Microbial Wastewater Treatment

Microbial communities in aquatic ecosystems play a key role in the natural breakdown of contaminants introduced through domestic and industrial effluents. Acting as biological catalysts, these microbes change and mineralize a wide range of organic and inorganic pollutants under different redox conditions.In oxygen-rich surface waters, aerobic heterotrophs lead organic matter breakdown, using oxygen as the terminal electron acceptor to efficiently oxidize substrates to carbon dioxide and water.
Marine Microbial Ecology01:30

Marine Microbial Ecology

Marine microbial ecosystems are shaped by distinct physicochemical limits, including high salinity, low nutrient availability, and fluctuating oxygen levels. These conditions favor smaller microbial cell sizes, which maximize their surface-to-volume ratio for efficient nutrient uptake.Microbial activity and community composition are closely linked to biogeochemical cycles, particularly in dynamic environments like estuaries, where halotolerant microbes thrive in response to variable salinity...
Freshwater Microbial Ecology01:24

Freshwater Microbial Ecology

Freshwater systems such as streams, rivers, and lakes exhibit distinct physical and biological characteristics that influence their microbial communities. These environments are broadly categorized into lotic systems—those with flowing waters like streams and most rivers—and lentic systems, which include still or slow-moving waters such as lakes, ponds, and marshes.In lentic systems, phytoplankton drive primary production, generating autochthonous organic carbon. In contrast, lotic systems...
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Contamination of food by microbial agents and natural toxins poses significant risks to public health. These hazards can be introduced at various points across the food supply chain, ranging from environmental sources to processing and storage stages. Understanding these contamination pathways is critical for developing strategies to ensure food safety.Seafood is particularly vulnerable to contamination through both environmental exposure and microbial colonization. Toxins from harmful algal...
Environmental Applications of Microorganisms01:30

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Microorganisms play a pivotal role in maintaining ecosystem balance by recycling essential elements such as carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, as well as supporting processes like bioremediation, wastewater treatment, and biofuel production.Microbes in Elemental CyclesIn the carbon cycle, microorganisms decompose organic matter, releasing carbon dioxide via aerobic respiration. This carbon dioxide is subsequently used by photosynthetic organisms to synthesize organic compounds, closing the...
Microenvironments01:22

Microenvironments

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Updated: Jun 7, 2026

Prospecting Microbial Strains for Bioremediation and Probiotics Development for Metaorganism Research and Preservation
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Defining established and emerging microbial risks in the aquatic environment: current knowledge, implications, and

Neil J Rowan1

  • 1Department of Nursing and Health Science, School of Science, Athlone Institute of Technology, Dublin Road, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, Ireland.

International Journal of Microbiology
|October 27, 2010
PubMed
Summary

This review addresses undefined microbial risks in water, focusing on viable but nonculturable microbes and Cryptosporidium oocysts. It explores decontamination strategies and the impact of pharmaceuticals on water quality and ecological status.

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Area of Science:

  • Environmental microbiology
  • Public health
  • Water quality management

Background:

  • Emerging microbial risks, including viable but nonculturable (VBNC) microbes and Cryptosporidium oocysts, pose significant threats to public health and the environment.
  • Current water quality management faces challenges in addressing these undefined microbial hazards, particularly at the wastewater treatment plant level.
  • The presence of untreated antibiotics and pharmaceutically active compounds in water exacerbates ecotoxicological concerns.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current knowledge on microbial risks in aquatic environments.
  • To identify potential alleviation strategies for managing VBNC microbes and Cryptosporidium oocysts.
  • To highlight gaps between scientific understanding and policy, particularly concerning the EU Water Framework Directive.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review of published data on microbial risks and water treatment.
  • Analysis of current knowledge on the occurrence, persistence, and control of problematic microbes.
  • Exploration of emerging issues such as the ecotoxicological impact of pharmaceuticals in water.

Main Results:

  • Significant gaps exist between scientific data and policy implementation for effective water quality management.
  • Existing decontamination methods may not fully address the risks posed by VBNC microbes and Cryptosporidium oocysts.
  • The ecotoxicological impact of pharmaceuticals in water requires further investigation.

Conclusions:

  • Effective risk-based assessment and management strategies are needed to address undefined microbial hazards in water.
  • Interdisciplinary collaboration, including mathematical and computer modeling, is crucial for efficient data generation and transparent reporting.
  • Achieving the goals of the EU Water Framework Directive necessitates a proactive approach to water quality improvement and microbial risk mitigation.