Fundamentals of Microbiology

4.2.1 Aquatic microbial groups

The study of microorganisms and their activities in natural waters is referred as aquatic microbiology. Natural waters include lakes, ponds, streams, rivers, estuaries, and oceans. The concentration of bacteria in water is proportional to the amount of organic material in the water.  Most aquatic bacteria tend to grow on surfaces rather than in a free-floating state. The aquatic resources include

(i) Freshwater:

  Still water – ponds, lake

  Running water – rivers, streams

  Estuaries – where freshwater meet the sea

(ii) Marine water – Seas and ocean