Types of Bacteria
Anaerobic bacteria can survive without oxygen, while aerobic bacteria needs the gas to survive. Most of the bacteria found in waste water are faculative, meaning they can live and multiply with or without oxygen. Oxygenated bacteria are most effective in breaking down waste.
Sewage Treatment
According to the American Ground Water Trust, bacteria are used to naturally break down harmful components found in human waste. Many septic systems and treatment facilities are designed to treat water this way, and similar procedures are used in natural bodies of water that have become contaminated with waste.
Natural Bodies of Water
Microorganisms that live in natural bodies of water, such as lagoons, ponds and even oceans, naturally protect the water and can even help break down contamination such as oil. In 2010, Florida State University began studying how a massive oil spill affects the natural microbial communities that protect the water quality on the Gulf coast, identifying factors such as how quickly microbes can break down the oil.