Microorganisms
Although some organisms found in water may be detrimental to health, such as
parasites, bacteria, or viruses, others provide benefits during the water treatment process. These microorganisms are a key aspect to the biological treatment of water, and different microorganisms are especially suited to remove different contaminants. The bacteria, protozoa, and algae that are instrumental to water treatment come from the kingdom Protista, which consists of organisms that do not naturally fall into the categories of plants or animals (Horan, 1990).
parasites, bacteria, or viruses, others provide benefits during the water treatment process. These microorganisms are a key aspect to the biological treatment of water, and different microorganisms are especially suited to remove different contaminants. The bacteria, protozoa, and algae that are instrumental to water treatment come from the kingdom Protista, which consists of organisms that do not naturally fall into the categories of plants or animals (Horan, 1990).
These microorganisms are all part of naturally occurring ecosystems outside of water treatment facilities, such as lakes, wetlands, and subterranean soil. Their occurrences in nature have given scientists the opportunity to study their interactions with one another and contaminants. Utilizing this research, engineers/biologists have developed the ability to create ecosystems that can treat a wide range of impurities using a well-rounded microorganism population. In some cases, these microorganisms may be genetically engineered to specifically address a certain contaminant or to be more efficient.