Syllabus (MICROBIOLOGY)

Course Type: MAJ-11

Semester: 7

Course Code: BMCBMAJ07T

Course Title: ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY

(L-P-Tu): 4-2-0

Credit: 6

Practical/Theory: Combined

Course Objective: 1. To provide an understanding of the current views of microbial association in various environments 2. To evaluate the continuing positive and negative roles played by microbes in environment.

Learning Outcome: Upon successful completion of the course the candidate will be able to- 1. Understand on soil characteristics and biogeochemical cycling. 2. Know on the different aspects of waste management and sewage treatment systems. 3. Acquire knowledge on bioremediation and microbial leaching.

COURSE TITLE: ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY (THEORY)

TOTAL HOURS:60 CREDITS:4

Unit 1. Microorganisms and their Habitats No. of hours: 10

Structure and function of ecosystems. Terrestrial Environment: Soil profile and soil microflora, Aquatic Environment: Microflora of fresh water and marine habitat, Atmosphere: Aero micro flora and dispersal of microbes,Animal Environment: Micro besin /on human body (Micro biomics)& animal (ruminants) body. Extreme Habitats: Extremophiles: Microbes thriving at high &low temperatures, pH, high Hydrostatic & osmotic pressures, salinity, &low nutrient levels.

Unit 2. Microbial Interactions No. of hours: 10

Microbe interactions: Mutualism, synergism, commensalism, competition, amensalism, parasitism, predation.

Microbe-Plant interaction: Symbiotic and nonsymbiotic interactions.

Microbe-animal interaction: Microbes in ruminants, nematophagus fungi and symbiotic Luminescent bacteria.

Unit 3. Biogeochemical Cycling No. of hours:10

Carbon cycle: Microbial degradation of cellulose, lignin and chitin.

Nitrogen cycle: Nitrogen fixation, ammonification, nitrification, denitrification and nitrate Reduction Phosphorus cycle: Phosphate immobilization and solubilisation.

Sulphur cycle: Microbes involved in sulphur cycle.

Unit 4. Waste Management No. of hours:15

Solid Waste management: Sources and types of solid waste, Methods of solid waste disposal (composting and sanitary landfill).

Liquid waste management: Composition and strength of sewage (BOD and COD), Primary, secondary (oxidation ponds, trickling filter, activated sludge process) and tertiary sewage treatment.

Unit5: Positive and negative role of microbes in environment No. of hours:15

Bioremediation V/S bio magnifications. Mechanisms of Microbial tolerance to heavy metal. Biodegradation of recalcitrant compounds.

Bio deterioration of paper, wood, textiles, cosmetics.

Microbial leaching: Copper, gold.

Role of microbes in microbial plastics and Bio gas production.

SUGGESTED READING

1. Medigan, M.T., Martinko, J.M. and Parker, J. Brock Biology of Microorganisms. Pearson Education Inc., New York

2. Pelczar, MJ Chan ECS and Krieg NR, Microbiology McGraw-Hill.

3. Willey, Sherwood, Woolverton. Prescott, Harley, and Klein’s Microbiology McGraw-Hill publication

4. Tortora, Funke, Case. Microbiology. Pearson Benjamin Cummings.

5. JACQUELYN G. BLACK. Microbiology Principles and explorations. JOHN WILEY & SONS, INC.

COURSE TITLE: ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY (PRACTICAL)

TOTAL HOURS:60 CREDITS:2

1. Enrichment culture technique-enrichment and isolation of spore formers, Nitrogen fixer, Photo synthetic Bacteria.
2. Assessment of microbiological quality and Microbiological examination of water (drinking water, supply water, pond water) by following methods
   1. Presumptive test
   2. Confirmatory test
   3. Completed test for coliform
3. Determination of MPN index
4. Determination of microbial population in water by filter disc method.
5. Determination of BOD of wastewater sample.