Environmental Engineering Microbiology

At the end of this course, the students should be able to: 1. explain the functioning of microorganisms; 2. appreciate the role microorganisms play in many natural and engineered systems; 3. relate microbial activities to the treatment of water, wastewater, and solid waste; and 4. relate the role of microorganisms in diseases.

Structure and metabolism of cells (cell structure, cell growth kinetics, and genetics) and micro- organisms. Monitoring methods for pathogens and indicator organisms. Application of microbial knowledge in the natural environment (self-purification, biodegradation, biodeterioration, ecotoxicity). Introduction to ecology: Ecosystems, population dynamics, environmental cycles; human impact on ecosystems. Roles of microorganisms in wastewater treatment, anaerobic digestion of municipal sludges, stream self-purification, and degradation of water quality in drinking-water systems. Disinfection of wastewater and drinking water to remove viruses, bacteria and protozoa that cause waterborne diseases. 300 Level