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Microbiology and the Environment

U.S. Geological Survey microbiology efforts span the disciplines and cover many broad research areas, including fish and wildlife health and disease, climate change, microbial ecology, public health and water quality, geomicrobiology, and ecosystem function. More about USGS Microbiology

Microbiology

Research Activities for Resource Management

Microbiology research is supported across USGS Science Disciplines Biology, Geography, Geology, and Water.*
Montastraea cavernosa with yellow blotch/band disease. Photo credit: USGSFish and Wildlife Disease
Researchers bring understanding to how diseases interact with their fish and wildlife hosts.		 WBC-2 microbial consortium. Photo credit: Geosyntec ConsultantsBioremediation
Scientists discover how microbes can clean up contamination in the environment.
   
Earth. Photo credit: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)Climate Change
Microbes and their impact on the Earth's climate are studied to discover the role microbes play in climate change.		 Coal boring rig at dusk in Texas. Photo credit: USGSEnergy
From supplying energy to impacting human health, scientists study the microbes that play a role in the Nation's energy resources.
   
Pacific Northwestern forest. Photo credit: USGS Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science CenterEcosystem Function
The latest tools and techniques are used to understand the role of microbes in shaping the environment.		 Phospholipid fatty acids and soil health map. Image credit: J. Holloway, USGSGeographic Patterns
Scientists provide insight on the distribution of microbes that impact public health and ecosystem function.
   
Open water in post-Katrina marsh, Louisiana. Photo credit: J. Holloway, USGSGeomicrobiology
Researchers investigate how microbes interact with the nonliving parts of Earth such as soils, sediment, and atmosphere.		 Human liver tissue. Photo credit: USGSHuman Health
Using microbes, scientists study environmental agents that can impact human health.
   
The colorful landscape and incredible diversity of a deep-sea reef in the Aleutian Islands. Photo credit: Alberto Lindner, NOAA FisheriesMicrobial Ecology
Scientists use the latest techniques to understand the living community of microbes in the environment. 		Anabaena planktonica. Arrow points to the heterocyst, the site of atmospheric nitrogen fixation. Photo credit: Barry H. Rosen, USGS Water Quality
Chemicals, algal blooms, and pathogens are measured and monitored to assist beach health and other water quality programs.
   
Selenium nanospheres formed by Bacillus selenitireducensNanotechnology
Scientists reveal the impact of nanoparticles on ecosystems and organisms, as well as new uses for energy production, industry, and science. 		 
- All samples of USGS microbiology research activities

*Research summaries are contributed by USGS scientists and information specialists from across USGS disciplines. For the goals of this Web site, see "Feedback about the Web site" under Contact Us.

 

Featured Topics

Virulent Fish Virus Identified for First Time in Lake Superior
Viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus poses threats to fisheries and aquaculture

Lake Superior. Photo credit: NASA USGS news release: For the first time, the presence of an exceptionally virulent fish virus (viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus or VHSV) has been identified in fish from Lake Superior by researchers at the Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and confirmed by scientists at the USGS Western Fisheries Research Center in Seattle.

The disease (VHS) caused by the virus can result in significant losses in populations of wild fish as well as in stocks of fish reared by aquaculture. It is of sufficient global concern to be one of only nine fish diseases that must be reported to the World Organization for Animal Health.

Read the full story at the USGS Newsroom >>


Scientists and Science Centers

USGS Columbia Environmental Research CenterUSGS microbiology capabilities develop at science centers where scientists use the latest methods and equipment to provide services for partners and customers.


Image Gallery

Gloeotrichia echinulata. Photo credit: Barry H. Rosen, USGSCyanobacteria, human cells, other microbes, and more: images captured by USGS personnel related to their microbiology research.

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Contact Information

USGS Microbiology Coordinator
Kay M. Briggs
Phone: 703-648-4046

Scientists may be contacted through the Microbiology Scientists page or by the USGS Employee Directory.

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Page Last Modified: Thursday, 03-Dec-2009 13:47:44 MST