The Invisible ABCs

Exploring the World of Microbes...

Letter f

Beggiatoa

Habitat:

 

Beggiatoa is found in polluted marine and freshwater environments.  As they grow, they form white mats of bacteria that float on the surface of the water.  They grow in areas that are rich in sulfides which they can use as an energy source.

 

Importance:

 

Because Beggiatoa grows well in water that is contaminated with sewage, the mats that are formed by Beggiatoa are good indicators of pollution in water.

 

Classification:

 

Beggiatoa is a genus of colorless, filamentous bacteria that are motile using a gliding motion.  They are one of the largest of all the bacteria. They are unusual in that they can make sugars from carbon dioxide and water using energy from simple chemicals like sulfides.