Environmental microbiology is the study of microorganisms in their natural environments, such as soil, water, and air. This field examines how these tiny organisms interact with each other and with their surroundings, playing crucial roles in processes like nutrient cycling, decomposition, and pollution degradation. Researchers in environmental microbiology investigate the diversity and functions of microbes, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. They explore how these organisms contribute to ecosystem health and stability, as well as their potential applications in bioremediation, which uses microbes to clean up contaminated environments, and in sustainable agriculture practices.