A Heterotrophic bacteria needs an organic carbon source in order to grow.
Heterotrophic bacteria are largely responsible for the process of organic matter decomposition. Many pathogenic disease-causing bacteria are heterotrophs. However, many species of heterotrophic bacteria are abundant in the environment & are considered normal flora for human skin. The recycling of minerals in aquatic ecosystems, mainly in estuaries, is made possible by heterotrophic bacteria. Although examine by health officials the presence of heterotrophic bacteria in public water supplies is seldom considered a public health threat.