Fungus Association with Cyanobacteria

Microbes in Human Welfare

• Microbes play a crucial role in various ecosystems, including humans, by contributing to nutrient cycling, decomposing organic matter, and serving as a food source for other organisms. Many microbes have symbiotic relationships with humans, aiding in digestion and bolstering the immune system.

  • Microbes are used in various daily products, such as:
    • Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) to convert milk into curd, a process that is centuries old and still widely practiced today
    • Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) to ferment dough for bread, resulting in the production of carbon dioxide gas, which causes the dough to rise
    • Microbes to ferment idli and dosa, traditional Indian fermented foods that are a staple in many Indian households
    • Microbes to produce cheese with unique texture, taste, and flavor, through the process of fermentation and culturing
  • Microbes are used in industrial production:
    • Lactic acid, acetic acid, and alcohol production, which are used in a variety of applications, including food preservation, pharmaceuticals, and biofuels
    • Antibiotics, such as penicillins, to combat disease-causing microbes, revolutionizing the treatment of bacterial infections
  • Microbes play a crucial role in controlling infectious diseases, like diphtheria, whooping cough, and pneumonia, through the production of vaccines and treatments
  • Microbes have been used for over a century to treat sewage through activated sludge formation, enabling water recycling in nature, a process that has significantly reduced the amount of wastewater being released into the environment

  Microbes in Household Products

  • Microbes are used in the production of various household products, such as curd, bread, and cheese, which are essential components of many cultural and culinary traditions
  • Microbes also contribute to the fermentation of pickles, sauerkraut, and kimchi, making them a fundamental part of many cuisines

  Microbes in Industrial Products

  • Microbes produce lactic acid, acetic acid, and alcohol, which are used in various industrial processes, such as the production of biodegradable plastics, cleaning products, and pharmaceuticals
  • Microbes are also used to produce enzymes, such as amylase and protease, which are used in laundry detergents and food processing

  Microbes in Sewage Treatment

  • Microbes are used to treat sewage through activated sludge formation, enabling water recycling in nature, a process that has significantly reduced the amount of wastewater being released into the environment
  • This process has also led to a decrease in the use of chemical pollutants and a reduction in the amount of energy required for water treatment

  Microbes in Production of Biogas

  • Methanogens produce methane (biogas) while degrading plant waste, providing an alternative source of energy, which can be used to power homes, businesses, and transportation
  • Biogas production has also been used to reduce the amount of organic waste sent to landfills, minimizing its environmental impact

  Microbes as Biocontrol Agents

  • Microbes can be used to kill harmful pests, such as fungi, bacteria, and nematodes, reducing the need for toxic pesticides and minimizing the harm caused to non-target organisms
  • This biocontrol approach has been used successfully in agriculture, forestry, and other industries to reduce the spread of plant diseases and pests

  Microbes as Biofertilisers

  • Microbes, such as cyanobacteria, serve as biofertilisers, replenishing soil nutrients and reducing dependence on chemical fertilisers, which can contaminate soil and water
  • Cyanobacteria, like Anabaena, Nostoc, and Oscillatoria, can fix atmospheric nitrogen, increasing soil fertility