Environmental Applications Flashcards
Definition = The development, use and regulation of (micro)biological systems for remediation of contaminated environments, and for environment-friendly processes (green manufacturing technologies and sustainable development)
What three things are needed to be removed during wastewater treatment?
- Compounds with high BOD
- Pathogens
- Human-made chemicals
What is meant by ‘BOD’?
Biological Oxygen Demand = if it is higher in organisms, it means more oxygen is required to break down a compound
What is Biogas made up of?
70% methane
25% CO2
Why does nitrogen need to be removed from water?
NH3 has a high BOD. This means that it can be metabolised to nitrates and they will allow algae to grow rapidly. The algae consume the oxygen and oxygen levels will fall.
What is the unique compartment called in anammox bacteria?
Anammoxosome - locus of anammox catabolism
What is a xenobiotic? Where do they come from?
A chemical substance found within an organism that is not naturally produced or expected to be present within the organism. They are released via direct applications like pesticides, fertilisers. As well as combustion processes and waste effluents.
What is bioremediation?
use of microorganisms usually to remediate or eliminate environmental contamination.
What if oxygen is a limiting factor?
Phosphate and nitrate can be added which act as nutrients to boost microbial activity
Alkanivorax borkumensis (Ab) breaks down which compound?
Alkane hydrocarbons
How can it be used effectively?
Ab lives exclusively on alkanes, so it does not compete for more typical substrates. Therefore, it can rapidly reproduce on large oil pollution.
