Environmental Microbiology (MLEM-201) What do Microbes do? How can we use this to our advantage? Lecturer: Dr. Mohamed Salah El-Din

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILO’s): Student will be able: To achieve a basic understanding of aquatic microbiology and microbial processes To know the major microorganisms of importance in freshwater, seawater, and groundwater To understand the major microbial processes involved in those habitats To understand the major environmental factors and influences in those habitats To understand how to apply basic microbiological and ecological principles in understanding the applied processes known as bioremediation of contaminated soils and groundwater.

Sulfur cycle Plants and certain microbes can use SO42- to make amino acids H2S is oxidized to form SO42-

Sulfur Cycle Proteins and waste productsAmino acids Microbial decomposition Amino acids (–SH) Microbial dissimilation H2SH2S H2SH2S Thiobacillus SO 4 2– (for energy, by respiration) SO 4 2– Microbial & plant assimilation Amino acids

The Phosphorous Cycle

The Phosphorus Cycle Inorganic phosphorus is solubilized by microbial acids Made available to plants and other microbes Is soluble in water Combines with calcium in calcium phosphate deposits of ancient seas.

Primary producers in most ecosystems are photoautotrophs Primary producers in deep ocean and endolithic communities are chemoautotrophic bacteria Life Without Sunshine H2SH2SSO 4 2– Provides energy for bacteria which may be used to fix CO 2 CO 2 Sugars Provides carbon for cell growth Calvin Cycle

Use of chemicals in soil and water Many man made chemicals do not biodegrade because they are not made by living organisms Why?

Decomposition by Microbes Figure 27.8 Components of agent orange

Assignment: As a part of the semester activity, one student is selected every week to prepare a short seminar about his/her point of interest in one of the lecture topics. That to be discussed and evaluated during the next lecture.