Beneficial functions of microorganisms Microorganisms are essential to our very existence. They are ubiquitous, found in common environments such as soil, water, and air as well as exotic locales as diverse as deep sea hydrothermal vents and soda lime lakes. In these natural environments microorganisms have very specific jobs. They are responsible for recycling nutrients in our soil and purifying our water. We also use microorganisms in constructed environments to serve our own functions.
Microbes recycle nutrients in our environment.
Good bacteria inside us destroy invasive, harmful bacteria. Microbes provide food for us through fermentation. Microbes can eat waste and pollution. Microbes purify waste water. Microbes are builders, making products such as vitamin C. Nutrient Recycling.