Industrial Microbiology Lecture 2

Study Notes

Industrial Microbiology

Industrial microbiology involves the use of microorganisms to produce various products, including:
- Antibiotics (e.g. Penicillin)
- Ethanol
- Lactic acid
- Vinegar
- Insulin
Primary metabolites are involved in the growth, development, and reproduction of microorganisms, while secondary metabolites are not essential for growth but play a role in defense mechanisms.

Water Microbiology

Raw water may contain contaminants from the environment and sewage, including bacteria, viruses, and protozoa that can cause waterborne diseases.
Drinking water must be free from pathogens and chemicals that are dangerous to human health.
The first federal drinking water standards were established in 1914 by the American Public Health Service (APHS).
Monitoring agencies, such as the WHO, EU, FDA, and US-EPA, set standards for safe drinking water and establish maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for various contaminants.

Microbiological Indicators of Fecal Contamination

Microbiological indicators are used to detect the presence of fecal contamination in water, as it is difficult, time-consuming, and expensive to detect all waterborne pathogens.
Indicator organisms are used as a proxy for pathogens, as they are present in higher numbers and are easier to detect.
A good microbiological indicator microorganism should:
- Be present in higher numbers than the pathogens they indicate
- Be easy to detect by simple methods
- Be non-pathogenic
- Can survive for a longer time to provide time for analysis
- Be useful for all types of water
- Reflect changes in the environment

Fecal Indicator Bacteria (FIB)

FIB are used to detect the presence of fecal contamination in water and include:
- Total coliform
- Fecal coliform
- Fecal Streptococci
- Enterococci
- Anaerobic bacteria
Coliform bacteria are a good indicator of contaminated water, as they are members of the Enterobacteriaceae family and are:
- Rod-shaped (bacilli)
- Gram-negative
- Non-spore forming
- Facultative anaerobes
- Capable of fermenting lactose to acid and gas

Detection Methods

There are two types of detection methods:
- Qualitative analysis: Presence-absence (P-A) using defined substrate technology
- Quantitative analysis:
  - Most probable number (MPN) using the quanti-tray system
  - Colony counting using Coliscan media
Defined substrate technology uses enzyme-based methods to detect coliform bacteria and E. coli.
Commercial kits, such as Colilert and Coliscan, are available for the detection of coliform bacteria.

The Role of Microbes in the Cycle of Elements

Microorganisms play a crucial role in the cycle of elements, including:
- Oxygen cycle
- Carbon cycle
- Nitrogen cycle
- Sulfur cycle
- Phosphorus cycle
- Iron cycle
Microorganisms are involved in the production and consumption of oxygen, as well as the decomposition of organic matter.
The carbon cycle involves the transformation of carbon between its various forms, including:
- Photosynthesis
- Respiration
- Exchange
- Sedimentation
- Decomposition
- Combustion

Description

This quiz covers industrial microbiology, including bacteria, molds, yeast, and their products such as penicillin, ethanol, and lactic acid. It also explores primary and secondary metabolites in microorganisms.