DISTRIBUTION OF MICROORGANISMS

IN AQUATIC ENVIRONMENT

ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(MCB 403)
GROUP 9
•The distribution of microorganisms in aquatic
environments is a complex and dynamic process
influenced by various physical, chemical, and
biological factors. Aquatic environments include
oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, ponds, and even smaller
bodies of water like puddles and water-filled cavities.
•Microorganisms in aquatic environments play crucial
roles in nutrient cycling, food webs, and ecosystem
functioning. Understanding their distribution is
essential for studying aquatic ecology and
environmental management.
 MICROORGANISMS OF AQUATIC ENVIRONMENT
Microorganisms inhabit surface waters in all zones; they may be suspended
(plankton), cover fixed submerged objects, plants, etc. (periphyton), or reside in
sediments at the bottom (benthos).
1. Plankton
• Plankton or bioseston refers to the group of organisms that passively float in water
without the ability to resist the movement and flow of water mass. These are
classified as follows: a. Phytoplankton . Zooplankton Protozoa plankton
• heterotrophic bacteria plankton, Virus plankton

2. Periphyton
• Periphyton inhabits coastal zones. They are a collection of creatures that attach
themselves to various objects and aquatic plants.
• Typically, they consist of microscopic algae, such as diatoms, green algae, and
bacteria
3. Benthos
• The benthos are a collection of species that inhabit the bottom environment.
• The mucky bottom includes an abundance of organic chemicals produced by decomposition of dead
materials (fallen parts of plants and animals).

4. Bacteria

 Bacteria, some of the smallest and oldest organisms on the planet, are prevalent in all water systems and
practically every environment. Many bacteria wash into rivers and streams from the surrounding land,
and their numbers can grow substantially after a rainfall

 The metabolic capabilities of bacteria are the most diverse of any group of species. Both heterotrophic
and autotrophic microorganisms exist.

 In aquatic systems, heterotrophic bacteria play a significant role in the breakdown of organic materials
and the cycling of nutrients.
5. Fungi
• Fungi consist of solitary cells and filaments known as hyphae. The majority of aquatic fungi are tiny, with
hyphomycetes being the most abundant and significant.

• As with heterotrophic bacteria, fungus receive their nutrition by secreting

• Fungi play a crucial role in the decomposition of plant matter in aquatic systems, as they are among the only
creatures capable of decomposing plant structural components such as cellulose and lignin.
6. Protozoa
•Protozoa are small, unicellular organisms that occasionally form colonies.

• Protozoa come in both autotrophic and heterotrophic varieties. In contrast to bacteria and fungi, heterotrophic
protozoa (such as amoebas and Paramecium) devour other species, including algae, bacteria, and other
protists.
7. Algae
•Several types of predominantly autotrophic protists are known as algae. As with the term
“microorganisms,” it is a colloquial phrase used for convenience to refer to microorganisms
that carry out photosynthesis; cyanobacteria are frequently categorised as algae.
Understanding their distribution is essential for studying aquatic
ecology and environmental management. Which are:
1. Physical Factors:

 Temperature: Microbial distribution is influenced by temperature since different species

have specific temperature ranges in which they thrive. For example, some bacteria may

prefer cold waters in polar regions, while others are adapted to warm tropical waters.

2. Chemical Factors:

• Nutrients: The availability of nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbon significantly
impacts microbial distribution. Nutrient-rich areas, often associated with runoff from land or
upwelling in oceans, can support high microbial productivity.
3. Water Movement:

 Currents: Water currents can transport microorganisms over long distances, leading to the dispersal of

species and influencing their distribution patterns.

 Mixing: Vertical mixing in oceans and lakes due to wind or other forces can affect microbial distribution by

changing nutrient availability and light exposure.

4. Biological Interactions:

 Competition: Microorganisms compete for resources, and this competition can affect their distribution

patterns. Dominant species may outcompete others in certain niches.

 Predation: Grazers and predators can control the abundance of certain microorganisms. For instance,

protozoa may consume bacteria, affecting bacterial populations.

5. Habitat Specificity:

 Benthic vs. Pelagic: Microorganisms can be found in different habitats within aquatic environments. Benthic

microorganisms live in or on the sediments at the bottom, while pelagic microorganisms live freely in the water

column.

 Zonation: Microbial communities can exhibit zonation based on depth or other physical factors, leading to

distinct communities at different water depths.

6. Human Impact:

 Pollution: Pollution from human activities can disrupt microbial communities. Nutrient runoff, industrial waste,

and oil spills can lead to harmful algal blooms or alter microbial community structures.

 Climate Change: Changes in temperature, ocean acidification, and sea-level rise due to climate change can impact

microbial distribution and alter ecosystem dynamics.

 Overall, the distribution of microorganisms in aquatic environments is a complex
interplay of physical, chemical, and biological factors. Studying these factors can help us
better understand aquatic ecosystems and their responses to environmental changes.