ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY

Paper Code: 
24MBL227A
Credits: 
02
Contact Hours: 
30
Objective: 

Course Objectives: This course aims to introduce fundamentals of Environmental Biotechnology. The course will introduce major groups of microorganisms and tools in biotechnology and their most important environmental applications. The environmental applications of biotechnology will be presented in detail and will be supported by examples from the national and international literature.

 

Course Outcomes (COs):

Course

 Course Outcomes

Learning and teaching strategies

Assessment Strategies

Course Code

Course Title

24MBL227A

 

Environmental Microbiology

(Theory)

CO85A: Acquaint with biodiversity, microbial ecology and its importance

CO86A: Assess role of microbes in biodegradation and bioremediation of xenobiotics

CO87A: Assess application of microorganisms in various techniques of Bioremediation

CO88A: Apply the microbial systems to agricultural biotechnology

CO89A: Understand the applied aspect of Environmental Biotechnology

CO90A: Contribute effectively in course-specific interaction

Approach in teaching:  Interactive Lectures,

Demonstrations.

 

Learning activities for the students:  Discussion,

Tutorials,

Assignments

Reading Journals

 

Class test, Semester end examinations, Quiz, Solving problems in tutorials, Assignments, Presentation, Individual and group projects

 

5.00
Unit I: 
Introduction to environment

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.

 

 

6.00
Unit II: 
Bioremediation

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).

 

6.00
Unit III: 
Role of microorganisms in bioremediation

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).

 

7.00
Unit IV: 
Biotechnology and agriculture

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.

 

6.00
Unit V: 
Biofuels

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

 

ESSENTIAL READINGS: 

ESSENTIAL READINGS:

  • Plant, Gene and crop Biotechnology, M.J. Chrispeel and D.E. Sadava ASPB 2003.
  • Textbook of Environmental Biotechnology, P.K Mohapatra, I K International Publications, Mumbai 2006.
  • Environmental Chemistry, A.K.De, Willey Eastern Ltd., New Delhi.
  • Microbial Ecology- Fundamentals and applications. Ronald. M. Atlas, Richard Bartha. Pearson Education. 2005.
  • Environmental Biotechnology – Basic concepts and applications, InduShekhar Thakur, I K International publications. 2006

SUGGESTED READINGS:

  • Wastewater Engineering- Treatment, Disposal and Resuse, Metcalf and Eddy, Inc., Tata McGraw Hill, Delhi.1999
  • Comprehensive Biotechnology, vol.4, M. Moo- Young (Ed-in-chief), Pergamon Press, Oxford. 2004
  • Bioextraction and Biodeterioration of Metals (Biology of World Resources. Christine C. Gaylarde (Editor), Hector A. Videla (Editor), Dennis Allsopp (Foreword). Cambridge University Press. 2009
  • Handbook of Material Biodegradation, Biodeterioration, and Biostablization. Michalina Falkiewicz-Dulik, Katarzyna Janda Dr., George Wypych. ChemTec Publishing. 2010
  • Environmental Biotechnology. Theory and Applications. Gareth M. Evans Judith C. Furlong. Wiley. 2003

e RESOURCES:

JOURNALS:

  • Journal of Environmental Microbiology
  • Frontiers in Environmental Science                
  • Journal of Environmental Sciences

 

 

 

 

Academic Year: 
2024-2025
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