ENVIRONMENT APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY
Knowledge of basic notions of General, Inorganic and Organic Chemistry are recommended (but not obligatory). No formal prerequisites are required.
Final written examination (6 questions in 1 hour) scored out of a maximum of 30 points with the minimum of 18 points to pass the exam. The examination will assess: i) adequate level of knowledge and comprehension of the topics covered during the course ii) ability to link general microbiological notions with the applied ones iii) ability to synthesize and clarity of expression; iv) use of an appropriate scientific language related to the field of the microbiology applied to the environment.
The aim is to provide students with integrated knowledge of basic general microbiology and more detailed information on the microbiology applied to the environmental technologies. The student will acquire knowledge and abilities in the conservation, remediation and management of the environment consistently with the professional profiles and the specific aims of the degree course.
By the conclusion of the course, the student will be able to:
- use a scientific terminology and an appropriate language of the microbiology applied to the environmental engineering field;
- utilize the acquired knowledge for basic and applied aspects related to the use of microorganisms in the environmental microbial technologies, such as wastewater treatment, bioremediation, composting, anaerobic digestion and metal bioleaching.
Brief history introduction of general and environmental microbiology. Basic notions on the morphological-structural differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Microbial evolution and systematics. (4 hours)
Morphology and cytology of the bacterial cell. (2 hours)
Microscopic and cultural techniques, respectively for the observation and for the measurement of the microbial growth in lab conditions. (4 hours)
Basic notions on the metabolic diversity of prokaryotes related to the microbial degradative potential in contaminated environments. (4 hours)
Methods for the study of the microbial communities directly in environmental samples. (2 hours)
Aquatic and terrestrial microbial habitats and relative environmental factors influencing the microbial growth. (4 hours)
Role of microorganisms in the principal biogeochemical cycles. (2 hour)
Negative and positive interactions among microorganisms and interactions
between microorganisms and plants. (4 hours)
Role of microorganisms in the restoration of contaminated sites: bioremediation and rhizodegradation processes. Case studies. (6 hours)
Role of microorganisms in the composting process. (2 hours)
Microorganisms and wastewater treatments. Case studies. (4 hours)
Microorganisms and anaerobic digestion for biogas production. (2 hours)
Bioleaching for metal recovery. (2 hours)
Basic notions of industrial microbiology: characteristic and properties of microorganism used on a large scale. (3 hours)
Microbiology and cultural heritage: biodeterioration and biorestoration of artworks. (3 hours)
Total lectures: 48 hours. All the topics will be presented using slides available in e-learning.
On the request of students, explanations of specific topics covered in previous lectures will be provided. Additionally, clarifications will be possible at any time during a lecture.
Students can email to the following address to schedule a meeting with the professor: Elisabetta.Zanardini@uninsubria.it
DiSAT, Via Valleggio 11, Como.