66103 - Application Of Microbiology In The Environmental Field

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, the student has acquired up-to-date knowledge on the role of microorganisms in the degradation of anthropogenic pollutants present in various natural habitats, with particular reference to water and soil. In particular, the student is able to: - have a thorough knowledge of the microbiological aspects involved in the biodegradation of environmental pollutants; - manage and monitor bioremediation interventions for the remediation of contaminated water and soil.

Course contents

A) Prerequisites

For the course a basic preparation on general aspect of microbiology and biochemistry is requested

B) Didactic Units

The course is divided in 3 modules. Each one provides theoretical lectures and practical activities dealing with discussion of research and visit via Web of the main industries and SMS's. An excursion is also planned.

Module 1

1. General aspects of microbial biotechnology for the environment (Total 20 h)

1.1 General and applied aspects of microbial taxonomy. The Nagoya protocol. Study of microbial communities through culture-dependent and independent methods in complex environmental matrices: soil, sediment, water. Analysis of microbial metabolism. Microbial associations: neutralism, commensalism, mutualism, competition, parasitism, predation. Microbial biofilms. Role of microorganisms in biogeochemical cycles. Microbiology of extreme environments. Microorganisms in the compost production process: composting in bioremediation.
1.2 Visit to the agro-environmental microbiology laboratories in the Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences with description and discussion of research activities related to projects in agro-environmental microbiology.
1.3. Seminar on data processing of microbial ecology analyses

Module 2

2. Environmental microbiology for bioremediation (Total 20 h)

2.1 Wastewater microbiology and biological water purification. Activated sludge treatment: degrading, flocforming, nitrifying, denitrifying, phosphorus accumulating, filamentous bacteria. Role of microorganisms in percolating bed plants, septic tanks and Imhoff tanks. Bioremediation techniques for contaminated soils: in situ, bioventing, bioremediation, phytoremediation, passive bioremediation, biostimulation; ex situ, landfarming, bioreactors. Xenobiotics.
2.2 Laboratory exercise on establishing the microbiological quality of water and isolation of microorganisms from agro-environmental matrices.
2.3 Exercise on analytical, microbiological and agronomical data processing of experiments for the abatement of xenobiotics or toxic components

Acquired knowledge on modules 1 e 2

Knowledge on different aspect of microbial biotechnology for the environment and the importance of research activity related to the discipline. The activities thus defined will enable students to approach the subject with a multidisciplinary approach, linking and integrating the microbiological, agronomic and environmental aspects covered during the lessons of the 2 modules in a synthesis view. If permitted by the health situation, students will be able to attend laboratories for a number of hours that will be communicated to them by the lecturers.

Module 3

Biotechnology Applications for the Environment (Total 20 h)

3.1 Selection and use of symbiont bacteria in agriculture. Agrobacterium and genetic engineering. Microbial genes that promote plant growth. Editing for improved microbial applications in the environment. Case studies of bioremediation. Plastic and hydrocarbon degrading microorganisms.Phytoremediation: use of plants for in situ contaminant removal: advantages and disadvantages. Role of plant-mycorrganism interaction for phytodegradation. Analysis of metal-hyperaccumulating plants.

3.2 Visit to companies dealing with agroenvironmental aspects. 

Acquired knowledge on module 3

Application of microorganisms in bioremediation and microbial biotechnology for the environment.

Readings/Bibliography

Microbiologia Agroambientale" edited by Bruno Biavati & Claudia Sorlini. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, Milano, Italy, 2012. ISBN 978-88-408-1383-7

 

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

Teaching methods

The course is based on 2 teaching units.  Theoretical lectures and practical  activities are provided.

1) Theoretical lectures. The student will acquire knowledge on microbial ecology, soil microbiology, agroenvironmental microbiology and application of microorganisms in the agro-environmental field.

2) Practical. It will refer to the recent research and applications, in addition an excursion to a company working on the field will be performed.

In consideration of the types of activities and teaching methods adopted, the attendance of this training activity requires the performance of all students of Modules 1 and 2 in e-learning modules and the participation in Module 3 of specific training on safety and health in the places of study. Information on dates and methods of attendance of Module 3 can be consulted in the specific section of the degree program website.

As concerns the teaching methods of this course unit, all students (including all the international incoming exchange students, i.e. ERASMUS) must attend Module 1, 2 online [https://www.unibo.it/it/servizi-e-opportunita/salute-e-assistenza/salute-e-sicurezza/sicurezza-e-salute-nei-luoghi-di-studio-e-tirocinio ], while Module 3 on health and safety is to be attended in class. Information about Module 3 attendance schedule is available on the website of your degree programme ("studiare"--"formazione obbligatoria su sicurezza e salute").

Assessment methods

The evaluation of the student will be acquired by oral examination. The questions are connected to the 3 units characterizing the course.

Teaching tools

The class rooms are equipped  with video and overhead projectors, PC  and Wi-Fi connection. The teacher will use the slides available with the text book. The practical parts will be performed in laboratories dedicated to this activities.

Office hours

See the website of Paola Mattarelli