78487 - Bioremediation and Exploitation of Marine Bioresources

Learning outcomes

The course will provide students with the knowledge of biochemistry, microbiology and bioprocessing required for the sustainable remediation of impacted marine ecosystems (surface and subsurface water and sediments) and the industrial exploitation of marine biodiversity and bioresources.

Course contents

PART 1: THE MARINE ECOSYSTEM, ANTHROPIC IMPACT AND POSSIBILITIES FOR ITS BIOREMEDIATION

Biodiversity and functions of the marine microorganisms

- Microscopic organisms living in marine ecosystems: cellular organization, physiology and main features

- Microbial ecology of the marine (extreme) environment(s)

- Basics of microbial metabolisms in the marine environment and ecosystem services

Bioremediation of impacted marine ecosystems

- Common pollutants of the marine environment

- Marine microorganisms involved in the botransformation/ biodegradation of organic pollutants and biochemical-molecular mechanisms responsible for their adaptation to the polluted environment.

- Biodegradation of oil hydrocarbons and halogenated xenobiotics in aerobic, surface and subsurface seawater and in anaerobic sediments.

- Strategies for the enhancement of aerobic and anaerobic bioremediation processes in seawater and in marine sediments (pollutant mobilization and bioavailability enhancement, biostimulation with nutrients (N, P) or electron donors, bioaugmentation, bioelectrochemical approaches) with examples of famous marine oil spills.

- Management and main strategies for the ex-situ and in-situ (bio)remediation of contaminated sediments.

Marine ecosystem and plastic pollution

- Plastic pollution in marine environment: dynamics of plastic items and microplastics in seawater and sediments

- The plastisphere, a new microbial ecosystem

- Biopolymers as an alternative to conventional plastics and their biodegradation in marine environment

PART 2: EXPLOITATION OF MARINE MICROBIAL BIORESOURCES

Biorefinieries: microrganisms and enzymes to produce and/or convert added value chemicals

• Concept of biorefineries
• Enzymes: definition, functionality and specificity; enzymatic kinetics
• Basics of microbial growth in bioreactors

Exploitation of marine bioresources

- Definition of marine bioresources: living organisms and wastes from marine environment exploitation

- Concepts of bioprospecting and drug discovery in marine (extreme) environments (e.g. new enzymes from marine extremophiles)

- Bioactive compounds for pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, cosmetic, agrochemical applications from marine microrganisms (functional food ingredients, pigments for the food and cosmetic industry etc)

- Marine biowastes as feedstock for added value chemicals production

- Biofuels and other added-value chemicals from marine microalgae

- Marine biofouling and ecofriendly biofouling prevention strategies based on marine microorganisms.

Readings/Bibliography

Munn C. (2011) Marine Microbiology. Ecology & Applications. 2nd Edition, Garland Science, Taylor & Francis Group, London, UK.

Teaching methods

Class lectures in english supported by powerpoint slides.

Assessment methods

Achievements will be assessed by the means of a final oral exam (at least 3 questions chosen by the professor), through which the knowledge level acquired by the student on the topics covered in the class, his/her ability to present them clearly and with appropriate technical language and to discuss them critically will be evaluated.

Higher grades will be awarded to students who demonstrate an organic understanding of the subject, a high ability for critical application and connection between topics, and a clear and concise presentation of the contents.

To obtain a passing grade, students are required to at least demonstrate a knowledge of the key concepts of the subject and a comprehensible use of technical language.

A failing grade will be awarded if the student shows knowledge gaps in key-concepts of the subject, inappropriate use of language, and/or logic failures in the analysis of the subject.

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Teaching tools

Powerpoint slides used during lectures and other materials to help the student in organizing his/her study will be provided through virtuale platform.

Office hours

See the website of Elena Biagi