Question

Describe the importance of microbes in human welfare.

Answer 1

1. Microbes in household products: Lactobacillus and other lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are used to convert milk into curd. The bread dough is fermented by baker's yeast.

2. Microbes in industrial products: Microbes are used in manufacturing of beverages and antibiotics.

3. Microbes in sewage treatment: Sewage water is treated using heterotrophic microbes. During waste water treatment, microbes are used in secondary treatment.

4. Microbes in production of biogas: Certain bacteria like methanogens, anaerobically produces large amount of biogas (methane, hydrogen and carbon dioxide).

5. Microbes as biopesticides: Microbes are used to control plant diseases and pests. Bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis is used to control butterfly caterpillars.

6. Microbes as biofertilizer: Biofertilizers are used to increase the fertility of the soil. The main sources of biofertilizers are bacteria, fungi and cyanobacteria.