You are here:
MODELING THE FATE OF MICROORGANISMS IN WATER, WASTEWATER, AND SOIL
Citation:
Hurst*, C J. MODELING THE FATE OF MICROORGANISMS IN WATER, WASTEWATER, AND SOIL. Chapter 28, C.J. Hurst, et al (ed.), Manual of Environmental Microbiology, Second Edition. American Society for Microbiology, Washington, DC, , 300-308, (2001).
Impact/Purpose:
information
Description:
The natural environment is filled with microorganisms, most of which are natural residents and colonize various ecological niches. These microorganisms either live independently within the environment, or live in association with various host organisms. There also are places and times when microorganisms are released into the environmentl as the result of human activities. Sometimes, these microorganisms are releasd with the goal that they will degrade noxious or toxic wastes. At other times, microorganisms are intentionally released with the goal that they will compete against natural microflora which cause disease in plants or animals. Human also intentionally release microorganisms and polyhedrosis viruses that are intended to reduce and control populations of insects. Microorganisms are also released that are pathogenic to humans, which often occurs through normal bodily functions. The goal of this chapter is to explain some of the quantitative approaches which are applicable to understanding the fate of microorganisms after those organisms are released into water and soil.
