Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology

Paper Code: 
ENV 321
Credits: 
05
Contact Hours: 
75.00
Max. Marks: 
100.00
Objective: 

Course objectives

This course will enable the students to –

  1. Impart knowledge about microbial diversity in various environments
  2. Understand the role of microorganism in degradation of xenobiotics, mineral recovery, waste management, biotechnology

Course Outcomes (COs):

Course

Learning outcomes

(at course level)

Learning and teaching strategies

Assessment

Strategies

Paper Code

Paper Title

ENV 321

 

Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology

 

Upon completion of this course, student will:

CO73: Appraise the diversity of microorganisms and learn about the abundance distribution and significance of microorganism in the environment

CO74: Categorize the diversity adaptations and biotechnological applications of microbes of extreme environment

CO75: Explain microbiological solutions to address environmental issues including pollution and degradation of xenobiotics

CO76: Illustrate the role of microbes in nutrient transformation mineral resource mining, waste management and biotechnology

CO77:  Explain the importance of microbial diversity and molecular approaches in dealing with environmental systems, processes and biotechnology

CO78: Devise biotechnological solutions to address environmental issues including pollution, land reclamation and waste management

Approach in teaching:

Interactive lectures, Slide Presentation, Demonstrations, Informative videos

Learning activities for the students:

Group discussions, Problem solving, case studies, simulation

 

Quiz, Assignments, Power point presentations, open book test, tutorials class test, semester end examination

 

 

13.00
Unit I: 
Introduction to Environmental Microbiology
  • Scope and applications of Environmental Microbiology
  • Phases of bacterial growth (Lag phase, Exponential phase and Stationary and Death phase)
  • Types of microorganisms on the basis of Nutrition
  • Factors affecting growth of microorganisms & Types of microorganisms on the basis of osmotic concentration, pH, temperature and oxygen concentration and pressure.

 

15.00
Unit II: 
Microbial Diversity of Air
  • Microbial communities in air and their sources
  • Physical/Microbial habitats in air
  • Factors affecting microbial survival in air
  • Aero-microbiological Pathway
    • Launching of bioaerosols
    • Transport and Dispersion
    • Deposition
  • Mechanisms to control Bioaerosols
  • Ventilation
  • Filtration
  • Biocidal Control and Isolation

 

16.00
Unit III: 
Microbial Degradation of Xenobiotic Compounds
  • Factors affecting degradation of xenobiotics
  • Aerobic degradation of xenobiotics
    • Degradation of Aliphatic compounds
    • Degradation of Aromatic compounds
  • Anaerobic degradation of xenobiotics
    • Degradation of Aliphatic compounds
    • Degradation of Aromatic compounds
  • Microbial degradation of Halogenated Compounds       

 

15.00
Unit IV: 
Environmental Biotechnology
  • Concept of Recombinant technology
  • Molecular tools of genetic engineering
  • Vectors-Plasmids (pBR322), Bacteriophages {lambda (λ} Cosmids, BAC and YAC
  • Methods of gene transfer – Conjugation, Transformation, Transduction.
  • Bioremediation-In-situ and Ex-situ
  • Basic Concept of Metagenomics
16.00
Unit V: 
Biotechnology and Resource Conservation
  • Production of biogas- Biomethanation (Microbiology and biochemistry, Factors affecting biogas production, Design of digesters)
  • Composting (stages, types, and factors affecting the process)
  • Vermicomposting
  • Bioleaching (methods and microorganisms used)
  • Integrated Pest Management (Concept of IPM, Physical, Cultural, Biological and Chemical methods of pest management).
  • Biosensors-Types and applications

 

Essential Readings: 
  • Maier, R.M., I. L. (2009). Environmental Microbiology (2nd ed.). USA: Academic Press (Elsevier).
  • Michael J. Pelczar, E. C. (1993). Microbiology (5th ed.). New Delhi: Tata McGraw-Hill Publishing Company Limited.
  • Mohapatra, P. K. (2008). Textbook of Environmental Environmental Microbiology. New Delhi: I. K. International Publishing House.
  • Mohapatra, P. K. (2010). Textbook of Environmental Biotechnology. New Delhi: I.K. International Pvt. Ltd.

 

References: 

SUGGESTED READINGS

  • Atlas, R.M., R. B. (2005). Microbial Ecology: Fundamental and Applications (4th ed.). New Delhi: Pearson Education Pvt. Ltd.
  • Barton, L., D. E. (2011). Microbial Ecology. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Publication..
  • Evans, G. M., & Furlong, J. C. (2003). Environmental Biotechnology: Theory and Application. John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
  • Thakur, I. S. (2011). Environmental Biotechnology: Basic Concepts and Applications. New Delhi: I.K. International Pvt. Ltd.
  • Wainwright, M. (1999). An Introduction To Environmental Biotechnology. New York: Springer Science+Business Media, Llc.

 

Academic Year: 
2022-2023
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