What type of bacteria thrives in environments containing atmospheric or dissolved oxygen?

Aerobic bacteria are specifically adapted to thrive in environments where atmospheric or dissolved oxygen is available. These bacteria utilize oxygen for respiration, which is a metabolic process that enables them to convert organic matter into energy more efficiently than organisms that do not use oxygen. This process produces carbon dioxide and water as by-products, and it plays a crucial role in the breakdown of organic substances during wastewater treatment.

In wastewater treatment plants, aerobic bacteria are essential for the biological treatment phase, particularly in processes like activated sludge systems. They help in removing organic pollutants from wastewater, contributing to the overall goal of making the water safe for discharge or reuse.

While anaerobic bacteria are designed to thrive in the absence of oxygen, and facultative bacteria can switch between aerobic and anaerobic processes depending on the availability of oxygen, aerobic bacteria are the primary organisms used in environments where oxygen is present. Pathogenic bacteria refer to those that can cause disease, and they can exist in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions, but they do not specifically thrive in oxygen-rich environments as a defining characteristic.