Environmental Microbiology Course Overview

Course Overview

• Course address: Environmental Microbiology, importance of microorganisms in ecosystems and applications in solving environmental problems.
• Includes history, diversity, transmission, and roles of microbes in wastewater, air, and food.
• Hands-on experiences through case studies and lab exercises.
• Career paths include environmental managers, microbiologists, and educators.

Course Assessment

• Tests: 30% (three tests at 10% each)
• Laboratory work: 10% (ten labs at 1% each)
• Assignments and presentations: 10% (one assignment at 10%)
• Final exam: 50%

Environmental Microbiology Basics

• "Environment" coined by Thomas Carlyle in 1828, from French "Environ" meaning surroundings.
• Environmental studies integrate physical, biological, and social sciences.

Microbiology

• Term "Microbiology" attributed to Louis Pasteur, defining the study of microscopic organisms.
• Antoni van Leeuwenhoek recognized as the "Father of Microbiology" for observing microorganisms.
• Microbial diversity includes bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa.

Microbes

• First used by Sedillot in 1878, referring to microscopic organisms such as algae, bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
• Microorganisms have existed for approximately 4000 million years, with significant contributions from historical scientists in their identification.

Useful Bacteria

• Beneficial bacteria include Lactobacillus (yogurt production), Streptococcus, and other species that aid digestion and immunity.
• Soil bacteria produce antibiotics essential for treating infections.

Harmful Bacteria

• Pathogenic bacteria can cause diseases like pneumonia, cholera, tuberculosis, and typhoid.

Fungi

• Eukaryotic organisms, including yeasts, molds, and mushrooms, classified under kingdom Fungi.
• Characterized by a cell wall made of chitin and a heterotrophic lifestyle.
• Fungi play crucial roles in decomposition and nutrient cycling and contribute to antibiotic production (e.g., penicillin).

Salient Features of Fungi

• Fungi typically exhibit filamentous structures, with hyphae forming a woven network known as mycelium.
• Nuclear structures possess distinct chromatin threads and membranes.

Viruses

• Term "Virus" introduced by Martinus Willem Beijerinck in 1897; different from living organisms.
• Composed of genetic material and protein, viruses replicate only within host cells.
• Classified as obligate intracellular parasites.

Characteristics of Viruses

• Exhibit both living and non-living features: contain genetic material, but lack metabolic activity outside host cells.
• Ability to cause diseases and mutational change.

Protists

• Simple, eukaryotic, unicellular organisms; classified as autotrophic or heterotrophic.
• Includes plant-like (e.g., diatoms), animal-like (e.g., amoeba), and fungus-like (e.g., slime molds).
• Essential for recycling nutrients and providing oxygen.

Features of Protists

• Mostly aquatic or found in moist environments; some can grow to significant sizes (e.g., Giant Kelp).
• Structure includes a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, varying nutritional needs based on autotrophic or heterotrophic characteristics.

Explore the vital roles of microorganisms in ecosystems and their applications in addressing environmental challenges. This course covers the history, diversity, and transmission of microbes, with hands-on labs and case studies for practical understanding. Ideal for anyone interested in careers as environmental managers or microbiologists.