Question 1

Which of the following best describes the role of microbes in the treatment of drinking water?

Accepted Answer

They are used to clump large particles and debris through the addition of alum, followed by microbial removal via filtration and disinfection.

Question 2

A lake appears clear on the surface, but after a massive algal bloom, it is still unsafe to drink the water. Why?

Accepted Answer

Anaerobic microbes in the sediment are fed by dead algae, potentially producing harmful byproducts even if the surface water looks clear.

Question 3

Which of the following is a primary indicator of organic pollution in wastewater treatment?

Accepted Answer

Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), measured in ppm as the amount of dissolved oxygen consumed by aerobic microbes.

Question 4

In industrial microbiology, which of the following is an example of a secondary metabolite produced by microbes?

Accepted Answer

Antibiotics produced after the culture enters stationary phase.

Question 5

Which process is used to remove dissolved uranium from contaminated groundwater using microbes?

Accepted Answer

Bioremediation by stimulating native bacteria with acetate to reduce soluble $$U^{6+} to $$insoluble $$U^{4+}.$$

Question 6

Which of the following statements about the biodegradability of organic compounds is correct?

Accepted Answer

Simple hydrocarbons degrade more readily than highly chlorinated hydrocarbons.

Question 7

What is the main function of alum in the treatment of drinking water?

Accepted Answer

To coagulate and flocculate large particles, making them easier to remove.

Question 8

Which of the following best explains why genetically modified (GM) microbes are used in industrial microbiology?

Accepted Answer

They can be engineered to overproduce natural products or synthesize products not normally made by microbes.

Question 9

During the treatment of sewage, which step is primarily responsible for reducing the Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD)?

Accepted Answer

Secondary treatment, where aerobic microbes degrade organic matter.

Question 10

Which of the following equations correctly represents the oxidation of ferrous iron ($$Fe^{2+}) to $$ferric iron ($$Fe^{3+}) by $$iron-oxidizing bacteria in acid mine drainage?

Accepted Answer

$$4Fe^{2+}$$ + $$O_2 + 4H$$^+ \rightarrow $$4Fe^{3+} + 2H_2O$

Question 11

A biotechnology company wants to produce a recombinant enzyme for industrial use. Which of the following steps is essential in this process?

Accepted Answer

Inserting the gene encoding the enzyme into a microbial host for large-scale expression.

Question 12

Which of the following is a real-world application of microbial bioleaching?

Accepted Answer

Extraction of pure metals from crude ore without pollution-generating smelting.

Question 13

Why are highly chlorinated hydrocarbons, such as PCBs, difficult to degrade in the environment?

Accepted Answer

They are resistant to aerobic microbial degradation due to the high degree of chlorine substitution.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the difference between primary and secondary metabolites in industrial microbiology?

Accepted Answer

Primary metabolites are produced during active growth and are essential for cell function, while secondary metabolites are produced after growth slows and are not required for growth.

Question 15

A soil contaminated with petroleum is undergoing bioremediation. Which of the following factors would most likely slow down the degradation process?

Accepted Answer

High molecular weight and branching of the hydrocarbons present.

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct statement about the use of enzymes in industrial applications?

Accepted Answer

Enzymes such as proteases and amylases are used for spot removal in detergents.

Question 17

In the context of acid mine drainage, what is the environmental significance of the microbial oxidation of pyrite ($$FeS_2$$)?

Accepted Answer

It leads to the production of sulfuric acid, which can cause environmental damage.

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why BOD is an important parameter in wastewater treatment?

Accepted Answer

It measures the amount of oxygen required by aerobic microbes to degrade organic matter, indicating the level of organic pollution.

Question 19

A municipal wastewater treatment plant is designed to reduce BOD from 20 ppm to below 5 ppm. Which of the following best describes the process responsible for this reduction?

Accepted Answer

Aerobic microbial degradation of organic matter during secondary treatment.

Applied Microbiology: Industrial Applications, Water Treatment, and Bioremediation

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