Module 3: Environment protection and biotechnology

Module’s structure
The module comprises 7 units thematically unified in 4 parts. It is developed for advanced level of education.

Learning goals
The module is envisaged for training of students in biodiversity of sulfate-reducing bacteria with emphasis on their application in metal pollutants remediation. It is designed to provide also basic knowledge about removal of toxic metals and radionuclides from the environments; microbial treatment of contaminated liquid effluents and biodegradation of mineral raw materials and xenobiotics. Ecological problems of contemporary biotechnology are also treated.

Previous knowledge required
As a prerequisite basic knowledge in general microbiology; microbial physiology and biochemistry; microbial ecology; organic chemistry; biochemistry; genetics and molecular biology of microorganisms is required.

Module’s content
Part 1 provides information about specific biological properties of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB), their distribution in the nature, interaction with other bacteria and negative effects on environment. Possibilities for practical application of SRB and main approaches for their studying - the classical methods for quantitative determination and molecular methods for studying of SRB with emphasis on DNA isolation, cloning and sequencing, are also discussed.
Part 2 deals with problems concerning the removal of toxic metals and radionuclides from the environment. Microbial transformations of these two types of toxic agents affecting mobilization or immobilization of the above mentioned toxic elements are presented. The molecular mechanisms of mobilization as well as the three basic approaches for immobilization are outlined. Some of the main processes that remove, immobilize or detoxify heavy metals in the natural environment as a result of microbial activities are discussed.
Part 3 gives information about the impact of biotechnology on biodegradation of xenobiotics as potential environmental contaminants and cause of bioinjuries. Details about bioremediation and biodegradation in microbiological, biochemical and genetic aspects are provided. Data about xenobiotics as a subject of biotransformation reactions are outlined. Last, but not least the cellular defence system ensuring decomposition of the harmful substances and elimination of their products is outlined.
Part 4 discussed some contemporary problems of industrial microbiology in the light of ecological danger of manufacture wastes, defined exceptionally by presence of alive and dead microbial cells. Special attention is paid to treatment of waters from pollutions and utilization of wastes from agriculture complexes as an important part of modern biotechnology.

Advanced Level