What Are the Functions of Microorganisms in Natural Bodies of Water & Sewage Systems?

Microorganisms play a role in breaking down waste in sewage systems.

While bacteria can cause disease, not all microorganisms negatively affect the health and well-being of living things. In fact, these microscopic creatures often serve a critical purpose, such as protecting the environment and breaking down sewage waste.

Types of Bacteria

Anaerobic bacteria can survive without oxygen, while aerobic bacteria needs the gas to survive. Most of the bacteria found in waste water are faculative, meaning they can live and multiply with or without oxygen. Oxygenated bacteria are most effective in breaking down waste.

Sewage Treatment

According to the American Ground Water Trust, bacteria are used to naturally break down harmful components found in human waste. Many septic systems and treatment facilities are designed to treat water this way, and similar procedures are used in natural bodies of water that have become contaminated with waste.

Natural Bodies of Water

Microorganisms that live in natural bodies of water, such as lagoons, ponds and even oceans, naturally protect the water and can even help break down contamination such as oil. In 2010, Florida State University began studying how a massive oil spill affects the natural microbial communities that protect the water quality on the Gulf coast, identifying factors such as how quickly microbes can break down the oil.

References

• American Ground Water Trust: Public Information Pamphlet #10 Bacteria and Water Wells
• Microtack: The role of bacteria in the sewage treatment process
• Florida State University: How fast can microbe break down oil washed onto Gulf beaches?
• Norweco: Identification of Wastewater Organisms