Chapter 17 Microbial Ecology Microbial Ecology: Microorganisms in soil, water, and other environments and how microorganisms act to chemically change their environments. Microbial ecologists study the biodiversity of microorganisms in nature and how different guilds interact in microbial communities. The activities of microorganisms in nature and monitor their effects on ecosystemsChapter 17 Microbial Ecology Microbial Ecology: Microorganisms in soil, water, and other environments and how microorganisms act to chemically change their environments. Microbial ecologists study: the biodiversity of microorganisms in nature and how different guilds interact in microbial communities; The activities of microorganisms in nature and monitor their effects on ecosystems