Flash Cards: Bioprocessing and Biomanufacturing

Bioremediation is the use of living organisms, mainly microbes, to remove or neutralize contaminants from a polluted area, particularly in soil and water.

Ananda M. Chakrabarty is a microbiologist known for developing genetically engineered organisms that degrade hydrocarbons in oil spills, leading to the landmark legal case 'Diamond v. Chakrabarty' regarding patenting life forms.

BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) measures the amount of oxygen required by microorganisms to decompose organic matter in sewage, indicating its organic pollution level.

Primary treatment involves physical methods such as screening and sedimentation to remove coarse solid materials from sewage, usually achieving 30-40% BOD removal.

Waste water treatment is essential to eliminate pathogens, prevent water pollution, and make the water safe for discharge into the environment.

The main methods of sewage treatment include primary (physical), secondary (biological), and tertiary (chemical) treatments.

Untreated sewage can pollute water bodies, harming aquatic life, spreading diseases, and making water unfit for drinking and recreation.

Aerobic treatment uses oxygen to break down organic matter, while anaerobic treatment occurs without oxygen, producing methane as a byproduct.

Excess fertilizers and pesticides contribute to soil and water pollution, which can hinder the efficiency of bioremediation processes.

Microorganisms break down pollutants through metabolic processes, transforming harmful substances into less harmful or non-toxic compounds.

The goal of sewage treatment is to kill pathogens, reduce organic matter, and ensure that treated water meets safety standards before discharge.

During sedimentation, solids settle at the bottom of a tank, separating from liquid waste after primary treatment.

A grit chamber removes sand, gravel, and other heavy particles from sewage before further treatment processes.

Common pollutants include heavy metals, nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus), pathogens, and organic materials.

Pseudomonas species are known for their ability to degrade a wide variety of pollutants, including hydrocarbons, making them crucial for bioremediation.

'Diamond v. Chakrabarty' was a Supreme Court case that established the legality of patenting genetically modified organisms, impacting biotechnology and intellectual property rights.

Biological treatments may be ineffective for very high-strength sewage and can be limited by temperature, pH, and the presence of toxic substances.

Sludge is the accumulated solid material from sewage treatment processes, often requiring further treatment or disposal methods.