Microbiology And Biotechnology For Depollution

Academic Year 2024/2025 - Teacher: DAFNE SAMANTHA IRENE BONGIORNO

Expected Learning Outcomes

Deepen the knowledge of microbial ecology and biogeochemical cycles. Know the composition and role of the microbial population in different natural habitats. Know the methods and strategies in environmental microbiology to acquire analytical skills and understanding of biotechnological processes applied to environmental problems and to the protection of the environment and of artefacts, with particular regard to biological processes for the reclamation of contaminated waters, sediments and soils.

Course Structure

Frontal lessons. If the teaching is given in mixed or remote mode, they can be introduced the necessary changes with respect to what was previously stated, in order to comply with the

program foreseen and reported in the syllabus.

Required Prerequisites

Knowledge of general microbiology. Knowledge, at least basic, of the English language is recommended.

Attendance of Lessons

Attendance of the course is compulsory. Attendance is understood to have been acquired if the student has attendedat least 70% of the curricular hours provided for by the discipline.

The Board of the CdS deliberates on the modalities organizational and didactic reserved for students in the situations described in art. 27 c. 1, 2 and 3 (students

workers, student athletes, students in difficult situations) of the Regolamento Didattico di Ateneo.

Detailed Course Content

Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells: bacteria, yeasts, molds, algae and protozoa. Metabolic diversity of microorganisms. Growth and adaptation of microorganisms in natural environments. The cycles of the elements: nitrogen, carbon, oxygen, iron, phosphorus, sulfur, calcium and manganese. Microorganisms and environmental compartments: atmosphere and microaerobiology, hydrosphere, soil, extreme environments. Interactions between microorganisms and other organisms. Microorganisms and metals. Degradation of natural organic compounds. Degradation of synthetic organic compounds. Study methods in environmental microbiology. Genetically modified microorganisms and environmental biotechnologies. Bioremediation of contaminated sites. Microbiology of biological wastewater treatment processes. Composting of organic waste. Biodeterioration of artistic artefacts and biotechnologies for their preservation. N.B. A basic knowledge of each topic is a necessary but not sufficient condition for passing the exam.

Textbook Information

1. Microbiologia ambientale ed elementi di ecologia microbica (a cura di Barbieri P., Bestetti G., Galli E., Zannoni D.) – Casa Editrice Ambrosiana.

2. Environmental Microbiology Third edition ( a cura di Ian L. Pepper, Charles P. Gerba, Terry J. Gentry) - Elsevier

3. Environmental Microbiology: Fundamentals and Applications Microbial Ecology (a cura di JeanClaude Bertrand, Pierre Caumette, Philippe Lebaron , Robert Matheron, Philippe Normand, Télesphore Sime-Ngando)- Springer

Course Planning

	Subjects	Text References
1	Placement test and presentation of the course
2	The world of microorganisms, fundamental concepts and notions on ecosystems.	Bertrand
3	Metabolic diversity, growth of microorganisms and adaptation in natural environments	Bertrand
4	Elements and biogeochemical cycles. Element cycles: Carbon, Oxygen and Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Sulfur, Calcium, Iron and Manganese	Bertrand
5	The different environmental compartments : Atmosphere and Aero Microbiology, Hydrosphere, Lithosphere and Extreme Environments	Bertrand
6	Interaction between microorganisms and other organisms (host-phogene interaction)	Bertrand
7	Microorganisms and metals: Mechanisms of resistance to metals and decontamination carried out by microorganisms.	Bertrand
8	Genetically Modified Microorganisms (OGMs)	Bertrand
9	Methods in environmental microbiology	Bertrand
10	Degradation of organic and xenobiotic compounds	Bertrand
11	Deterioration of artistic manufactured	Bertrand
12	Composting of organic waste	Bertrand
13	Bioremediation of contaminating sites	Bertrand
14	Water microbiology and wastewater treatment processes	Bertrand
15	Environment and microorganisms	Bertrand
16	Principles of environmental law	-

Learning Assessment

Learning Assessment Procedures

Thesis (in pdf or ppt) on a topic of your choice among those developed during the course, to be sent by means of mail at least one week before the exam (30%). Integrative oral interview on the chosen topic covered by the thesis and the remaining program carried out byteacher (70%). Verification of learning can also be carried out electronically, if the conditions are so should they require.

Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises

1) Characterization of a contaminated site

2) Carbon cycle

3) Degradation of lignin

4) What is aeromicrobiology

Degree Course in

Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences