ASC3697

Environmental microbiology

Mr Chris Panter

4 points - Second semester - 2 hours of lectures and 2 hours of practical work per week - Gippsland/Distance - Prerequisites: ASC2666. (Note that ASC2676, although not a prerequisite, is recommended background. ENV2647 also is not a prerequisite but would be useful background) - Prohibitions: MIC2022, MIC2032, GAS2122, BTH3797

Objectives In this subject, students will learn and apply some of the basic microbiological methods used in this area, relating to monitoring, enumeration and sampling. Examples of microbial interactions will be illustrated. Fundamental principles in microbial ecology will be discussed, with the important recognition of the role of microorganisms as a mixed flora. The role of microorganisms in biogeochemical nutrient cycles, and their roles in air, water environments, and soils will be discussed, with a view to students being able to predict how different microorganisms may act when environmental parameters are changed. Cases where microorganisms can actually cause pollution will be encountered, and students will learn how to use different microorganisms as indicators of faecal pollution. Students will examine the role of microorganisms in sewage treatment and in composting. Students will also encounter examples of microorganisms exploited in bioremediation.

Synopsis ASC3697 (Environmental microbiology) begins with examination of methods used in this area of study. Basic principles in microbial ecology follow, and include the interactions of microorganisms with each other, with other living organisms, and with the environment. This is followed by the role of microorganisms in biogeochemical nutrient cycles. The microbiology of various natural habitats is examined: air, freshwater and saltwater habitats (with emphasis on the distribution and role of organisms in a lake), and soil. Soil microbiology is a major part of this subject, in which soil is considered as an environment, the microbes present in soil are noted and their roles explained, and special environments for microbes in soil (eg the rhizosphere) are described. Special attention is given to the role of microorganisms in transformations of carbon and nitrogen in soil, followed by examining the effect of soil management practices on soil microorganisms. The interaction of microorganisms and pollution are examined: microorganisms as causers of pollution, as indicators of pollution, and as means of reducing pollution. Detailed examples of the latter include study of sewage treatment, composting, and finally bioremediation.

Assessment Final examination: 70% - Practical work: 30%

Prescribed texts

Hurst C J and others (eds) Manual of environmental microbiology ASM Press, 1996
A comprehensive study guide is supplied.

Recommended texts

Alexander M Introduction to soil microbiology 2nd edn, Wiley, 1977
Atlas R M and Bartha R Microbial ecology: Fundamentals and applications 2nd edn, Benjamin-Cummings, 1987
De Bertoldi M and others (eds) Compost: Production, quality and use Elsevier, 1987
Horan N J Biological wastewater treatment systems: Theory and operation Wiley, 1990
Paul E A and Clark F E Soil microbiology and biochemistry Academic Press, 1989
Madigan M T and others Brock: Biology of microorganisms Prentice-Hall, 1997
Tortora G J and others Microbiology: An introduction Benjamin-Cummings, 1995

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