Aquatic microbiology is the study of microscopic organisms like bacteria, viruses, and fungi that live in freshwater and saltwater environments. These microorganisms are found throughout aquatic systems, from rivers and lakes to oceans and even hot springs. They play important roles like breaking down organic matter, recycling nutrients, and providing food for other aquatic life. Aquatic microorganisms also impact humans through activities like water purification in sewage treatment.

1. University of Salahaddin-Erbil
College of Science
Environmental science department
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Halala Rahman Qadir
M.Sc. Plant physiology
2017

2. Outline
Definition of aquatic microbiology
Aquatic microorganisms
Important of aquatic microbiology
Natural water
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3. Definition of aquatic microbiology
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Aquatic microbiology is the science that deals with microscopic
living organisms in fresh or salt water systems.
While aquatic microbiology can encompass all microorganisms ,
including microscopic plants and animals, it more commonly refers
to the study of bacteria, viruses, and fungi and their relation to
other organisms in the aquatic environment .

4. Aquatic microorganism
• Bacteria
• viruses
• fungi
These are widely distributed throughout aquatic
environments. They can be found in fresh water rivers,
lakes, and streams, in the surface waters and sediments
of the world's oceans, and even in hot springs. They
have even been found supporting diverse communities
at hydrothermal vents in the depths of the oceans.
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5. Aquatic microorganisms
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6. Aquatic microorganism
Aquatic microorganisms can be found living in
environments where there are extremes in other
physical parameters such as:
• Pressure
• Sunlight
• Organic substances
• Dissolved gases
• And water clarity.
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7. Important of aquatic microbiology
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Aquatic microorganisms and their activities are of great importance in
many ways:
1. They may affect the health of humans and other animal life.
2. They occupy a key position in the 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
accomplish recycling of elements, e.g., in mineralization.
4. Aquatic microbiology, which in previous decades was studied by a
relatively few microbiologists, has emerged as one of the more important
areas of applied Microbiology.

8. Natural water
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Natural water
Atmospheric
water
Surface
water
Ground
water

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Distribution of aquatic microorganisms
in aquatic enviroments
Microorganisms in the aquatic environment may occur at
all depths ranging from the surface region to the very
bottom of ocean trenches.
The top "layers,“ especially the surface film, and the bottom
sediments harbor the higher concen- trations of
microorganisms, particularly in deep waters.

10. Advantages to human
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Humans have taken advantage of the role these
microorganisms play in nutrient cycles.
At sewage treatment plants, microscopic bacteria are
cultured and then used to break down human wastes.
Aquatic microorganisms