B5197 - Bioremediation and Environmental Microbial Biotechnology

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, students will have gained knowledge of the role of natural or genetically modified microbial cultures in environmental biotechnological solutions, with a particular focus on water and soil ecosystems.

Specifically, students will be able to:

• Develop an in-depth understanding of the microbiological aspects related to the biodegradation of environmental pollutants resulting from human activities.

• Manage and monitor environmental remediation interventions and biotechnological applications aimed at improving the recovery processes of contaminated water and soil.

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 and environmental compartments: atmosphere, hydrosphere, soil, extreme environments. Interactions between microorganisms and other organisms. Element cycles: nitrogen, carbon, iron, phosphorus, and sulfur. Microorganisms and metals. Culture-dependent and culture-independent methods in environmental microbiology: analysis of soil, sediments, and water. Analysis of microbial metabolism.

1.2 Visit to the agro-environmental microbiology laboratories
Visit to the agro-environmental microbiology laboratories of the Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, with presentation and discussion of research activities related to agro-environmental microbiology projects.

1.3 Seminar on data processing
Seminar on data processing from microbial ecology analyses.

2. Environmental Microbiology for Bioremediation (Total 20 hours)

2.1 Microbiology of biological wastewater treatment processes.
Techniques for the bioremediation of contaminated soils: in situ (bioventing, bioaugmentation, phytoremediation, passive bioremediation, biostimulation); ex situ (landfarming, bioreactors). Xenobiotics. Composting of organic waste.

2.2 Laboratory exercises
Laboratory exercises to assess the microbiological quality of water and to isolate microorganisms from agro-environmental matrices.

Knowledge acquired in Modules 1 and 2:
The student will acquire knowledge of various topics related to microbial biotechnology for the environment and the importance of research activities connected to the discipline. These activities will enable students to approach the subject with a multidisciplinary perspective, connecting and integrating microbiological, agronomic, and environmental aspects covered during the lessons of the first two modules within a comprehensive framework.

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

3.1 Selection and use of symbiotic bacteria in agriculture.
Agrobacterium and genetic engineering. Microbial genera that promote plant growth. Genome editing for the improvement of microbial applications in the environment. Genetically modified microorganisms and environmental biotechnologies. Bioremediation of contaminated sites. Microorganisms capable of degrading plastics and hydrocarbons. Phytoremediation: the use of plants for the in situ removal of contaminants: advantages and disadvantages. The role of plant-mycorrhiza interactions in phytodegradation. Analysis of metal hyperaccumulating plants.

Knowledge acquired in Module 3:
The student becomes aware of the numerous applications of microbial biotechnology for the environment.

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

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.

Assessment methods

Final oral exam consists of a presentation (5 minutes) on a topic of a laboratory exercise, conducted during the course, and 2 questions on the course material.

Teaching tools

Lectures will be delivered using power point presentations and multimedia board writing. All teaching rooms are equipped with internet access. Laboratory training will be conducted in the teaching laboratories of the Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences. The IOL (Insegnamenti OnLine) platform will be utilized to support teaching activities.

Office hours

See the website of Paola Mattarelli