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Microbiology and Microbial Growth

Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek A Dutch linen merchant and amateur scientist that recorded the first known microorganisms in 1673. Used a simple single-lens microscope. Sent detailed sketches of microorganisms with descriptive letters to the Royal society of London and was translated and published. Robert Koch German physician that used the anthrax bacterium (Bacillus anthracis) in 1876 to prove that microorganisms cause infections. Observed blood of cattle. Proved the germ theory of disease. Microorganisms They are present in the soil, in the air, at the bottom of the ocean and in other life forms including humans. Pathogenic Harmful disease-causing organisms. Two Basic Groups of Microbes Procaryotic microbes which do not have cellular membranes. Procaryotes are single-cell organisms including only bacteria. Eucaryotic may be single, or multicellular. They include algae, fungi, protozoa, and rotifers. Virus Viruses are considered a separate group. Procaryote

Bacteria
Unicellular organisms that do not have a nuclear membrane. They vary in size from 0.1um.

Their shape varies from cylindrical to spherical. Bacteria have a cell wall, membrane, cytoplasm, and DNA. Flagella means of motion of bacteria. These are single strands of hollow protein that the bacteria can rotate. Endospores internally produced spores. A method of self preservation. Can live in places like the interface between water and fuel hydrocarbons fuel tanks, depths of the oceans where hot water escape from fissures, mouth and teeth of mammals, foods and water supplies. Eucaryotes

Viruses
The simplest form of life known. Exist in two forms: o o Infectious particles that contain DNA and RNA, a structural coat; and some other chemicals. A viron particle contains nucleic acid and a capsule, or a nucleocapsid, termed as envelope.

When a virus infects a host, the nucleocapsid attaches to the host cell wall, and then the nucleic acid is then injected into the cell. The viral nucleic acid then inserts itself in the hosts nucleic acid.

Algae
Chorophyll-containing eucaryotic organism that carries out oxygenic photosynthesis. Most algae are microscopic, but some reach length of more than 100 feet. Primary producers of biomass. Marine phytoplankton algae are responsible for approximately 90% of photosynthesis on earth.

Protozoa
Noteworthy in environmental engineering primarily for their infectious nature and their role in the mixed microbial cultures of wastewater treatment system. Much larger than bacteria, and because they are predatory, they are motile (producing spontaneous motion). One form of protozoa is the amoeba, a group characterized by flowing movement.

Rotifers
Multicellular microorganisms that prey on smaller microorganisms so they are of particular interest in wastewater treatment systems. They act as clarifiers for such system by removing large quantities of dispersed bacteria. Their presence in water indicates a low level of pollution.

Metabolic Classification Microorganisms can be classified by metabolic processes; such as their energy source, oxygen source, and carbon source for synthesis. Carbon Source - all known life forms require carbon. o o Heterotrophic organisms obtain carbon from other organic matter or protein. Autotrophic organisms, that include plants and algae, obtain carbon for synthesis from inorganic carbon such as carbon dioxide and its dissolved species (the carbonates). Oxygen Source Some microorganisms require molecular oxygen (O2), others is toxic. o o Aerobic organisms or aerobes are those that require molecular oxygen (they are the oxygen that is present in the atmosphere and oceans). Anaerobic organisms do not require molecular oxygen. In fact molecular oxygen is toxic to them. This group includes several species of bacteria and some protozoa. These organisms require oxygen but they obtain their oxygen from inorganic ions such as nitrates, or sulfate or from protein. o Facultative organisms prefer molecular oxygen but will use other pathways for energy and synthesis if molecular oxygen is not available. Energy Source energy is produced in cells by either chemical or photo oxidation. o o A chemotroph obtains energy from either organic or inorganic. A phototroph obtains energy from light metabolism of chemicals, using photooxidation.

Microorganisms in the Environment Species of bacteria can convert atmospheric nitrogen to ammonia (nitrogen fixation). This is important for some symbiotic bacteria associated with major crops. Microorganisms are principal decomposers of waste material. Microorganisms in Engineered System Microorganisms are widely used for wastewater treatment; which are divided into two groups: Bacteria attached to engineered surface bacteria attached have evolved a complex chemical attachment system. They develop a slimy substance in their cell walls. A technical term for this layer of slime is a capsule or glycocalyx. In some cases, the glycocalyx is used by bacteria as a means of attachment to a host. o o Slime layer cause rocks slippery; this layer term is biofilm. Microorganism in this biofilm consumes the waste, cleaning the water in the process.

Bacteria remain suspended in the liquid being treated in the suspended growth system, the bacteria is suspended in the water in large tanks (or reactors). The bacteria move through the process with the water. The glycocalyx that enables bacteria to adhere to surface causes the suspended bacteria to stick to each other, forming large clumps or bacterial floc which settles faster than individual bacteria. Metabolism Microbial Metabolism is the sum of the process sustaining the organism, including both production of new cellular materials and degradation of other materials to provide energy. Metabolism includes anabolism production of new cellular materials and catabolism degradation of substrate to produce energy to maintain the cell. Microbial Growth Microorganisms use organic matter or substrate to produce energy for replication, motility and repair of damaged cellular components. When microorganisms are introduced into a closed system with unlimited source and substrate, there is a lag phase during which microorganisms adapt to the new substrate and concentration. At this time, little microbial growth occurs. Once this initial phase is completed, organisms will begin a period of rapid growth, their numbers increasing exponentially. At some point, their population reach maximum. Growth rate is proportional to the number of microorganisms: dx/dt = ux Where x = concentration of microorganisms at time t t = time u = proportionality constant or specified growth rate, (time -1) dx/dt = microbial growth rate (mass/volume time) dx/x = udt If concentration of organism is Xo at time zero: ln{x/xo} = ut or x = xo eut.

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