Marine Bacteria

These are single celled microorganisms found throughout the oceans that play a critical role in life on earth. Each drop of seawater (1 milliliter) contains approximately 1 million bacteria. Photosynthetic bacteria  such as the cyanobacteria undergo photosynthesis producing a major portion of the oxygen we breathe. They are also vital in the ocean nitrogen cycle as well as carbon fixation helping to recycle nutrients in the ocean. Certain marine bacteria can consume spilled oil and even break down heavy metal pollutants. Pathogenic marine bacteria such as Vibrio can sicken humans that ingest contaminated seafood.