The oldest forms of life, microbes shaped the chemistry of our planet and dominate and sustain life on Earth. They continue to be significant change agents that affect the quality of our air, water, soil, and climate and are used to produce energy and clean up polluted environments. They might even be found beyond Earth!
Environmental microbiologists study the biogeochemical effects of microbes in aquatic and terrestrial environments and determine how climate and land-use changes impact microbes. They also look at their influence on the health of our planet and develop microbes as solutions to environmental problems Students can study environmental microbiology as part of a broader microbiological training program that leads to a Bachelor of Science degree.
What You'll Learn
Environmental microbiology is one area of study within the microbiology department. Microbiology students interested in the Earth, environmental science, and sustainability can learn about the following:
- The logic and mechanics of how different microbes function in diverse environments.
- The diversity of microbes and how we analyze and use diversity to answer environmental questions.
- The impact that microbes have on the chemistry of the planet.
- Key techniques for studying microbes in the lab and field.
Careers
Environmental microbiologists are instrumental in determining how to use microbes to clean up wastes, produce fuels and electricity, and create new products. They also understand how microbes interact with water, rocks, soil, and plants and the kinds of useful—or harmful—products that they produce in an environment.
- Environmental remediation
- Bioenergy
- Biogeochemistry
- Plant and soil science
- Oceanography
- Atmospheric sciences
- Biotechnology
Resources