microbiology refrences?? please help

[SuperCat]

Hello, I am producing a book for a thesis project which needs to address 
the issue of ecology, economomy, and nature.  

I chose to focus on microbiology and the effects human interference with 
nature has altered both the organisms and us.

For instance, antibacterial agents and gene therapy producing super 
pathogens...or the abundance of algae suffocating the seas.
As this is an art class, the imagery is more important than the written 
content..however I need specific facts and a complete grasp on the 
fundamental issues at hand.

Could someone point me in the right direction in terms of research material 
and books which may be helpful??

PS..i have no formal science background so non technical books may be more 
helpful.

thank you.