B5197 - Bioremediation and Environmental Microbial Biotechnology

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, students will have acquired a comprehensive understanding of the role of natural and engineered microbial cultures in environmental biotechnology, with particular emphasis on the remediation of soil and water systems.

Specifically, students will be able to: - demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the microbiological processes involved in the biodegradation of environmental pollutants associated with anthropogenic activities; - evaluate, design, monitor, and manage bioremediation strategies and biotechnological applications aimed at improving the remediation of contaminated soils and water resources.

Course contents

1. General Aspects of Microbial Biotechnology for the Environment (Total: 20 hours)

1.1 Applied aspects of microbial taxonomy. The Nagoya Protocol and genetic resources. Microorganisms in environmental compartments: atmosphere, hydrosphere, soil, and extreme environments. Interactions between microorganisms and other living organisms. Biogeochemical cycles of nitrogen, carbon, iron, phosphorus, and sulfur. Microorganisms and metals. Culture-dependent and culture-independent approaches in environmental microbiology, including the analysis of soil, sediments, and water. Methods for the analysis of microbial metabolism.

1.2 Visit to the Agro-Environmental Microbiology laboratories of the Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, including the presentation and discussion of current research activities and projects related to bioremediation and microbial biotechnology for the environment.

 
2. Environmental Microbiology for Bioremediation (Total: 20 hours)

2.1 Analysis of the main bioremediation strategies for contaminated soils and sediments, with particular emphasis on in situ and ex situ (on-site and off-site) technologies, criteria for selecting the most appropriate remediation strategy, and their advantages, limitations, and fields of application. Topics include biostimulation, bioaugmentation, monitored natural attenuation (MNA), bioventing, landfarming, and bioreactor-based treatments.

Microbial bioremediation of matrices contaminated with naturally occurring toxic organic compounds and persistent xenobiotics, including aliphatic hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Biological treatment of wastewater. Composting of organic waste.

2.2 Laboratory practicals on the assessment of the microbiological quality of water and the isolation and characterization of microorganisms from agro-environmental matrices.
Learning outcomes of Modules 1 and 2

Upon completion of Modules 1 and 2, students will have acquired a solid understanding of the fundamental concepts and methodologies of microbial biotechnology for environmental applications, as well as the importance of research activities in this field. The multidisciplinary approach adopted throughout the course enables students to integrate microbiological, agronomic, and environmental knowledge into a comprehensive understanding of environmental biotechnological processes.

3. Biotechnological Applications for the Environment (Total: 20 hours)

3.1 Selection and application of symbiotic bacteria and Plant Growth-Promoting Microorganisms (PGPM) in sustainable agriculture. Agrobacterium tumefaciens as a tool for plant genetic transformation. Genetic engineering and genome editing technologies applied to microorganisms of environmental interest. Genetically modified microorganisms for bioremediation and circular bioeconomy applications.

Microorganisms involved in the biodegradation of emerging contaminants, hydrocarbons, and plastic materials. Microbial strategies for the bioremediation of contaminated environmental matrices.

Phytoremediation and constructed wetland technologies as integrated approaches to environmental remediation: principles, advantages, limitations, and fields of application. Interactions among plants, rhizosphere microorganisms, mycorrhizal fungi, and endophytic microorganisms for improving the remediation of contaminated soils and water.

Role of microbial consortia in the degradation of organic pollutants and the transformation of inorganic contaminants. Selection and combined use of microorganisms and plants for the remediation of sites contaminated with heavy metals, hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

Use of genetically modified plants and integrated plant–microorganism systems to enhance the remediation of sites contaminated with heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants.

Learning outcomes of Module 3

Upon completion of Module 3, students will have gained an understanding of the wide range of environmental applications of microbial biotechnology, with particular emphasis on the use of microorganisms and integrated biological systems for sustainable environmental remediation and ecosystem restoration.

Readings/Bibliography

Slides presented during classes (available to students on the Virtuale platform) and notes taken during classes will serve as primary resources for the exam.

For further in-depth study, please refer to:

Brock. Biologia dei microrganismi. Microbiologia generale, ambientale e industriale di P. Branduardi, G. Mastromei, G. Vallini, Casa Editrice Pearson

Teaching methods

he course is structured into 3 main Teaching Units. Each Unit includes both a theoretical component, delivered through traditional classroom lectures, and a practical component, conducted through laboratory activities or visits to farms and industrial facilities.

1. Theoretical Instructio:
Students will develop an understanding of the microbiological processes involved in the Microbial Biotechnology for the Environment. The course will also provide insights into the practical application of this knowledge in the bioremediation and environmental sustainability.

2. Practical Training and Field Visits:
Through laboratory exercises and visits to relevant sites, students will encounter real-world examples where theoretical principles of applied microbiology are implemented, gaining firsthand experience in the sector’s current practices and challenges.

Assessment methods

The final oral examination consists of a 5-minute presentation on a topic related to one of the laboratory exercises completed during the course, followed by two questions covering the course content.

Teaching tools

The course is structured into 3 main Teaching Units. Each Unit includes both a theoretical component, delivered through traditional classroom lectures, and a practical component, conducted through laboratory activities or visits to farms and industrial facilities.

1. Theoretical Instructio:
Students will develop an understanding of the microbiological processes involved in the Microbial Biotechnology for the Environment. The course will also provide insights into the practical application of this knowledge in the bioremediation and environmental sustainability.

2. Practical Training and Field Visits:
Through laboratory exercises and visits to relevant sites, students will encounter real-world examples where theoretical principles of applied microbiology are implemented, gaining firsthand experience in the sector’s current practices and challenges.

Office hours

See the website of Paola Mattarelli