Microbes in Human Welfare

Methanobacterium is a methanogen that produces methane gas during anaerobic digestion of organic waste. It is commonly found in gobar gas plants and cattle rumen.

Cyanobacteria like Anabaena and Nostoc fix atmospheric nitrogen and are widely used in rice fields, improving soil fertility.

Fleming discovered penicillin from the fungus Penicillium notatum, marking the beginning of the antibiotic era.

Lactobacillus converts lactose into lactic acid, which coagulates milk proteins to form curd and enhances its nutritional value.

In secondary treatment, microbes form flocs and degrade organic matter, reducing BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand).

Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast) ferments sugars to produce ethanol and CO₂, and is widely used in brewing and biofuel production.

Statins are produced by Monascus purpureus (a yeast) and help lower blood cholesterol by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase.

Higher BOD means more organic pollution, as microbes consume more oxygen to break down the waste present in water.

Streptomyces bacteria produce several antibiotics including Streptomycin and Tetracycline, both used against bacterial infections.

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) produces toxins that are harmful to insect larvae and is widely used as a biopesticide in agriculture.