Microbes and Hydroecosphere
HYDRO-ECOSPHERE Hydro-ecosphere is considered as a more suitable habitat for microorganisms than the atmosphere and lithosphere, mainly because hydrosphere contains water, which is important in microbial metabolism (Atlas and Bartha, 1993).
The unique properties of water are also attributes of hydrosphere as a suitable habitat. Due to polarity of water (slightly negative and slightly positive), water is considered as a great solvent, capable of forming hydrogen bonding. Large heat capacity of water is due to its high specific heat (1 calorie/gram); hence a large amount of energy is needed before a 1oC-rise in temperature. Water also has high heat of fusion (80 cal/g) so it does not freeze easily. Surface tension is high because water molecules stick together, and have ability to attract molecules of surface in contact. This is important in accumulation of non-polar organic compound on the surface layer, which could be used as source of nutrients for microorganisms. With these characteristics of water, aquatic systems are more resistant to extreme environmental fluctuations. However, such water properties can be modified by the presence of dissolved substances.
Aquatic environments are classified as ocean waters and inland waters (groundwater and surface water). Ocean waters contain approximately 35 ppt salt; freshwaters which include lakes, ponds, groundwater, river and spring, has 0.05 ppt salinity. Special habitats in hydrosphere include bottom sediments, biological and non-biological surface, and interface (between atmosphere and hydrosphere or lithosphere and hydrosphere).
There are at least five factors that affect the hydro-ecosphere: light intensity, temperature, pressure, dissolved gases and dissolved solids. Due to presence of autochthonous microbiota, certain limited general characteristics can be ascribed. Physico-chemical Factors Light. The light from the sun provides energy for primary producers. During
The unique properties of water are also attributes of hydrosphere as a suitable habitat. Due to polarity of water (slightly negative and slightly positive), water is considered as a great solvent, capable of forming hydrogen bonding. Large heat capacity of water is due to its high specific heat (1 calorie/gram); hence a large amount of energy is needed before a 1oC-rise in temperature. Water also has high heat of fusion (80 cal/g) so it does not freeze easily. Surface tension is high because water molecules stick together, and have ability to attract molecules of surface in contact. This is important in accumulation of non-polar organic compound on the surface layer, which could be used as source of nutrients for microorganisms. With these characteristics of water, aquatic systems are more resistant to extreme environmental fluctuations. However, such water properties can be modified by the presence of dissolved substances.
Aquatic environments are classified as ocean waters and inland waters (groundwater and surface water). Ocean waters contain approximately 35 ppt salt; freshwaters which include lakes, ponds, groundwater, river and spring, has 0.05 ppt salinity. Special habitats in hydrosphere include bottom sediments, biological and non-biological surface, and interface (between atmosphere and hydrosphere or lithosphere and hydrosphere).
There are at least five factors that affect the hydro-ecosphere: light intensity, temperature, pressure, dissolved gases and dissolved solids. Due to presence of autochthonous microbiota, certain limited general characteristics can be ascribed. Physico-chemical Factors Light. The light from the sun provides energy for primary producers. During
References: • Atlas R.M., and R. Bartha. 1993. Microbial Ecology. Fundamentals and Applications. 3rd ed. USA: Benjamin/Cummings Publishing Co., Inc. • Prescott, L.M., J.P. Harley and D.A. Klein. 2005. Microbiology. 6th ed. USA: McGraw Hill Co., Inc. • Rodina, A.G. 1972. Methods of Aquatic Microbiology. Baltimore: Univ. Park Press • Wood, E.J.F. 1965. Marine Microbial Ecology. London: Chapman & Hall, Ltd. • Zobell, C.E. 1946. Marine Microbiology. USA: Chronica Botanica Co.