Microbial Roles in Ecosystem Function & Maintenance

I.  Impact on Global Ecology
  A.  Gases - CO2 and CH4 production and consumption

II.  Biogeochemical Cycling
  A.  Carbon Cycle	
          1.  Heterotrophic and autotrophic processes
          2.  Methanogenesis
          3.  Acetogenesis
          4.  Methane oxidation

     B.  Nitrogen Cycle	
          1.  Nitrogen fixation
          2.  Ammonification
          3.  Nitrification
          4.  Denitrification

     C.  Sulfur Cycle	
         1.  Sulfate reduction
         2.  Sulfur oxidation

     D.  Phosphorus Cycling
          1.  No oxidation and reduction reactions
          2.  Competition between heterotrophic bacteria and phytoplankton for P
  
     E.  Trace Elements (Fe, Mn, heavy metals like Cd, Hg)

III.  Waterborne Transmission of Infectious Agents (enteric, Cryptosporidium, viruses, 
           paralytic shellfish disease)

IV.  Algal Blooms and Toxins

V.  Biodegradation

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