CEV 203E - Environmental Microbiology

Course Objectives

1. To emphasize the importance of microorganisms
2. To increase interest in environmental microbiology
3. To convey fundamental knowledge of microbiology so to construct a basis for the following related courses
4. To give the microbial dimension of environmental engineering problems and their solutions
5. To develop the ability to (design and) conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data in environmental microbiology applications

Course Description

Microbial diversity. Description and characteristics of bacteria, archaea, protozoa, algae, fungi, viruses. Carbon and energy flow in microorganisms (glycolysis, Krebs cycle, electron transport system). Aerobic and anaerobic respiration and photosynthesis. Enzymes and their functions. Microorganisms important for environmental engineering: Microbiology of air, water, soil, wastewater and biological treatment systems. Settling properties of activated sludge; problems and solutions. Natural microbial ecosystems. Microbial bioremediation.