ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY

• Definition, scope and application of Environmental Microbiology
•  Growth of Bacteria in Environment (Lag phase ,Exponential phase and Stationary and Death phase )
• Types of microorganisms on the basis of Nutrition
• Microorganisms found in extreme conditions–Extremophiles (acidophiles,psychrophiles , thermophiles and halophiles).

• Microbial growth kinetics: batch, fed batch and continuous process 
• Bioengineering of microorganisms for industrial purposes
•  Industrial use of the following

                        - Bacteria (Lactic acid production, Vinegar production, Amino acid

 production),

-Yeast (Alcohol fermentation, Bakers yeast and food yeast),

-Moulds (Penicillin production, Citric acid production, Enzyme

production).

• Heavy metal toxicity in the environment
• Metal microbes interactions:

-Intracellular accumulation

- Cell wall associated metal interaction

-Metal- siderophore interactions

-Extracellular mobilization/immobilization of metals by bacterial     metabolites

-Extracellular polymer-metal interactions

- Transformation and volatilization of metals

• Concept of Recombinant technology

-Molecular tools of genetic engineering

-Host cell-Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic

-Vectors-Plasmids(pBR322),Bacteriophages(λ)Cosmids, BAC amd YAC

      -Methods of gene transfer – Conjugation,Transformation,Transduction.

• Bioremediation-insitu and exsitu

• Production of biogas- Biomethanation (Anaerobic treatment for biogas generation, Microbiology and biochemistry, Factors affecting biogas production, Design of digesters);
• Composting (Types, material, process, physicochemical characteristics of environment, decomposition stages and methods).
• Vermicomposting; Bioleaching (methods and microorganisms used)

• Integrated Pest Management (Pest control, Concept of IPM, Biopesticides in IPM).
• Biosensors-Types and applications