Tiny Microbes: Everywhere, Vital for Life & Clean Water

This audio overview reveals tiny, vital microorganisms, or microbes, are everywhere and invisible to the naked eye, yet crucial for survival. It details how these decomposers break down waste and dead organic matter, maintaining a healthy environment and food web.

The overview categorizes microbes into eukaryotes, like protozoa (including ciliates and amoebas) used extensively in wastewater treatment plants to clean dirty water by consuming toxins, and prokaryotes, which encompass all bacteria.

It highlights the many helpful roles of bacteria, such as producing two-thirds of the world's oxygen in the ocean (e.g., blue-green algae). Additionally, some microbes are shown to eat oil to help clean up oil spills, and scientists are researching their ability to break down plastic polluting waterways. The importance of protecting aquatic habitats from pollution is emphasized to ensure these beneficial microorganisms can continue their work.