Environmental Microbiology

Introduction to environment; pollution and its control; pollution indicators; waste management: domestic, industrial, solid and hazardous wastes; strain improvement; Biodiversity and its conservation; Role of microorganisms in geochemical cycles; microbial energy metabolism, microbial growth kinetics and elementary chemostat theory, relevant microbiological processes, microbial ecology.

Bioremediation: Fundamentals, methods and strategies of application (biostimulation, bioaugmentation) – examples, bioremediation of metals (Cr, As, Se, Hg), radionuclides (U, Te), organic pollutants (PAHs, PCBs, Pesticides, TNT etc.), technological aspects of bioremediation (in situ, ex situ).

Application of bacteria and fungi in bioremediation: White rot fungi vs specialized degrading bacteria: examples, uses and advantages vs disadvantages; Phytoremediation: Fundamentals and description of major methods of application (phytoaccumulation, phytovolatilization, rhizofiltration phytostabilization).

Bioinsecticides: Bacillus thuringiensis, Baculoviruses, uses, genetic modifications and aspects of safety in their use; Biofungicides: Description of mode of actions and mechanisms (e.g. Trichoderma, Pseudomonas fluorescens); Biofertilizers: Symbiotic systems between plants – microorganisms (nitrogen fixing symbiosis, mycorrhiza fungi symbiosis), Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) – uses, practical aspects and problems in application.

Environmental Biotechnology and biofuels: biogas; bioethanol; biodiesel; biohydrogen; Description of the industrial processes involved, microorganisms and biotechnological interventions for optimization of production; Microbiologically enhanced oil recovery (MEOR); Bioleaching of metals; Production of bioplastics; Production of biosurfactants: bioemulsifiers; Paper production: use of xylanases and white rot fungi