Bioremediation

general courses

Knowledge in botany, microbiology and chemistry – at the level of Bachelor’s degree

Classroom

Technologies used for bioremediation (heaps, drainage, piles, bioreactors), Selection of microorganisms and enzymes useful for bioremediation. Methods of monitoring and assessment of bioremediation processes. Bioremediation of areas contaminated with metals, metalloids and organics. Phytoremediation as an alternative for chemical technologies to remove contaminants (organics and inorganics) from soil and water with the use of a range of plant species. Molecular and biochemical basis of phytoremediation efficiency. The contribution of plant biotechnology tools to generate new environmentally friendly solutions in phytoremediation. The role of plant-microorgansms interaction in phytoremediation.

Determination of microbial community structure changes. Environmental monitoring of bacteria. Assessing the correlation between gene expression and degradation/contamination removal. Biosorption, Bioaccumulation, Bioprecipitation, Bioreduction, Biooxidation, Biomethylation. Enzymatic transformations of metals and metalloids. Removal of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Removal of compounds containing nitrogen. Removal of halogenated compounds .

Phytoremediation as an alternative for chemical technologies to remove contaminants (organics and inorganics) from soil and water. Basic mechanisms of a plant tolerance and accumulation of metals and organic xenobiotics. The role of hyperaccumulators in phytoextraction of metals. Different branches of phytoremediation related to the nature of the remediation process. Molecular and biochemical basis of phytoremediation efficiency. Applicability of a range of plant species for specific challenges in phytoremediation. The contribution of plant biotechnology tools to generate new environmentally friendly solutions in phytoremediation. The role of plant-microorgansms interactions within the rhizosphere in phytoremediation. Chelate-assisted phytoextraction of metals – advantages and limitations. The role of plants in limiting air contamination.

•Biodegradation and bioremediation. Second edition by Martin Alexander. Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, U.S.A.; Academic Press

•Bioremediacja. W: Mieczysław K. Błaszczyk: Mikroorganizmy w ochronie środowiska. Warszawa: Wydawnictwo Naukowe PWN, 2007.

•Bioremediation: Methods and Protocols (Methods in Molecular Biology), Stephen P. Cummings (Editor); Humana Press

•Biotechnologia Roślin, Stefan Malepszy, PWN

•Phytotechnologies. Edited by N.A Anjum i wsp. CRC Press, London, New York, 2012.

KNOWLEDGE

(I) Has broad knowledge on microbiology and plant physiology with a specific focus on processes governing resistance and tolerance to stress factors;

(II) Knows how to indicate organisms suitable for cleaning-up contaminated environment;

(III) Knows how to classify and characterize microbiological remediation methods, with particular emphasis on biostimulation and bioaugmentation;

(IV) Has knowledge on molecular and biochemical basis of phytoremediation;

ABILITIES:

(i) Knows how to define a range of contaminants

(ii) Knows how to choose between a range of bioremediation methods to apply for a specific contaminated site

(iii) Knows how to define a research purpose, plan a set of experiments and execute them

(iv) Knows how to present a scientific problem related to environmental monitoring and remediation strategies

(v) Exhibits ability of data analysis with a specific focus on efficiency of bioremediation and bioremediation balance

COMPETENCES

(i) Is responsible for the assessment of the risks associated with the research techniques used and for ensuring safe working conditions

(ii) Has the ability and skills for team work

(iii) Understands the need for continuous updating of knowledge in the field of environmental protection and conservation, can inspire and organize the learning process of others

(iv) Has knowledge on monitoring of microorganisms in the environment

(v) Is responsible for the research which has been assigned to him/her, for his/her own laboratory work and other people’s work

LECTURE:

Attendance at the lecture is monitored by signing the attendance list

To gain a general pass of the course a student has to attend the lectures. Examination held at the end of the semester is conducted in the form of a written test. A student has to mark a correct answer in response to 60 questions. To pass an exam the minimum 60% of the correct answers is required.

LABORATORY: To gain a general pass of the course a student has to attend classes (missing two classes is allowed), and participate in all activities throughout. Marks are based on: (i) written test from the first (microbiological) part of the course and (ii) a written report on the topics discussed during the second part of the course (prepared at the end of the laboratory course).

not applicable