Week 8

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Questions and Answers

What role does soil play in groundwater management?

It allows contaminants to flow directly into groundwater.

It adds more pollution to the groundwater.

It absorbs all contaminants without filtering them.

It acts as a filter to clean groundwater by removing contaminants. (correct)

Which group of bacteria is most prevalent in soil?

Fungi

Actinomycetes

Bacteria (correct)

Protozoans

What term describes the role that an organism plays within an ecosystem?

Ecosystem service

Niche (correct)

Biosphere

Habitat

Which of the following is NOT a component of an ecosystem?

Territory Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of coliform bacteria?

They can ferment lactose producing acid and gas. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of microorganisms in biogeochemical cycles?

They are critical contributors. Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common microorganism found in the air?

Fungi Signup and view all the answers

What type of bacteria typically dominates the aerobic environment within soil?

Aerobic bacteria Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following cycles involves the movement of oxygen through ecosystems?

Oxygen Cycle Signup and view all the answers

Phytoplankton are significant in ecosystems primarily because they:

Engage in photosynthesis, producing oxygen. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the sedimentation tanks in sewage treatment?

Remove solids and large debris from sewage Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of the secondary treatment of raw sewage?

To promote aerobic breakdown of organic matter Signup and view all the answers

Which process is employed if tertiary treatment is necessary?

Denitrification and filtration Signup and view all the answers

In symbiotic relationships, what describes mutualistic interactions?

Both organisms benefit from the relationship Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a parasitic relationship?

The symbiont benefits at the expense of the host Signup and view all the answers

What type of filtration is used in tertiary treatment to remove phosphates and nitrates?

Sand and charcoal filtration Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of commensal symbiosis?

Bacteria living on the skin without harming the host Signup and view all the answers

In wastewater treatment, what is the purpose of the trickle filters?

To spray wastewater over rocks or sand covered in bacteria Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Environmental Microbiology

A study of microorganisms in the environment
Microorganisms play vital roles in biogeochemical cycles

The Ecosystem

A community of living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) things
Ecosystems have boundaries that overlap
Abiotic components include sunlight, temperature, precipitation, soil, air, and chemicals
Biotic components include producers and consumers
Microorganisms play a critical role in all these cycles
Examples are carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, and sulfur cycles
Phytoplankton in the ocean produce the bulk of Earth's oxygen
Niches are important in ecosystems

Bacteria in Soil

Soil is full of life
It's the primary interaction between living and non-living things that makes soil a living system
Microbes and other biotic entities extract abiotic factors from the soil
Water Filtration:
- Soil filters groundwater
- Soil particles remove contaminants
Five major groups of organisms in soil
- Bacteria (most numerous)
  - Nitrogen-fixing, sulfur-fixing, carbon-fixing
  - Aerobic (74%)
  - Anaerobic (14%)
  - Actinomycetes (13%)-denitrifying
- Protozoans - feed on bacteria
- Fungi - decomposers (3%)
- Other (0.2%)
  - Algae, worms, nematodes, earthworms

Microbes in Air

Primarily found in dust and water droplets
Higher dust and moisture content increases microbial presence
Mold is the most common microorganism in air

Wastewater Treatment

Large-scale treatment uses chlorine injection
Small-scale treatment can use bleach
Coliform bacteria are rod-shaped, gram-negative, non-spore-forming bacteria
- Ferment lactose, producing acid and gas at 35-37°C
Sewage treatment plants require complex methods
Wastewater contains 99% contaminated water, 1% solids
Household and industrial wastes (acids, oil, chemicals, organic matter)
Two levels of treatment: primary and secondary

Human Pathogens Transmitted in Water

Various microorganisms cause waterborne diseases

Symbiosis

When two organisms develop a relationship, it's symbiotic
The larger organism is the host, the smaller one is the symbiont
Types of symbiotic relationships:
- Mutualism (both benefit)
- Commensalism (one benefits, other is unharmed)
- Parasitiism (one benefits, other is harmed)
- Competition (one species outcompetes another)

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Description

This quiz explores the fascinating interplay between microorganisms and ecosystems. Understand the roles of bacteria and other microorganisms in various biogeochemical cycles, and their impact on soil and environmental health. Delve into how biotic and abiotic components interact within ecosystems.