English

Overview of Microbes in Human Welfare

Advertisements

Topics

CBSE: Class 12

Definition: Antibiotic

A chemical substance produced by certain microorganisms that kills or inhibits the growth of disease-causing microorganisms is called an antibiotic.

 
CBSE: Class 12

Key Points: Microbes in Sewage Treatment

Stage / Aspect Process Involved Role of Microbes Result
Sewage Municipal wastewater containing organic matter and pathogens Naturally present microbes Highly polluting if untreated
Primary Treatment Physical removal by filtration and sedimentation No active microbial role Removes debris and forms primary sludge
Secondary Treatment Aeration to promote microbial growth Aerobic bacteria and fungi form flocs Reduces BOD significantly
Activated Sludge Settling of microbial flocs Bacteria reused or digested Part recycled, part sent to digesters
Anaerobic Digestion Sludge broken down in digesters Anaerobic bacteria Produces biogas and treated effluent
CBSE: Class 12

Key Points: Microbes in Production of Biogas

  • Biogas is a fuel gas rich in methane, produced by anaerobic microbial activity on organic waste.
  • Methanogens (e.g., Methanobacterium) anaerobically digest cellulosic material and produce methane, CO₂ and H₂.
  • These microbes occur naturally in sewage sludge and in the rumen of cattle, aiding cellulose digestion; cattle dung is therefore used for biogas production.
  • Biogas plants use dung slurry in anaerobic tanks to generate gas for cooking and lighting, while the leftover slurry serves as a good fertiliser.
Advertisements
Share
Notifications

Englishहिंदीमराठी


      Forgot password?
Use app×