Environmental Microbiology Laboratory

The Environmental Microbiology Laboratory is concerned with investigation of microorganisms from the natural environments. EML aims to describe microbes from air, soil and water; to study the interrelationships of microorganisms with the physical and chemical conditions and other biotic components; and to address environmental issues related to the field of Microbiology. Research microorganisms range from algae to bacteriophages to bacteria, including Escherichia coli, Enterococcus, and Salmonella. Research activities include prevalence of microorganisms in fresh produce, agricultural irrigation waters, and bioaerosols from various air pollution sources; antimicrobial properties and activities of extracts; diversity of microalgae. EML’s current projects are supported by collaborators and funded by agencies within and outside UP.

Research Interests:

• Environmental and food microbiology:
  Prevalence of microorganisms in fresh produce and irrigation waters
  Microbial risk assessment
  Development of wash solution

• Antimicrobial properties and activities

• Phycology
  Diversity of microalgae

Research Microorganisms:

Escherichia coli
Enterococcus
Salmonella
Bacteriophage Phi X 174 and MS2
Microalgae

Aims of the Lab:

• To describe microorganisms from various natural environments

• To study the interrelationship of microorganisms with the physical and chemical conditions and other biotic components

• To address environmental issues related to Microbiology