B.3 Environmental protection

Description

Nature of science:
Developments in scientific research follow improvements in apparatus—using tools such as the laser scanning microscope has led researchers to deeper understanding of the structure of biofilms. (1.8)Understandings:

Responses to pollution incidents can involve bioremediation combined with physical and chemical procedures.
Microorganisms are used in bioremediation.
Some pollutants are metabolized by microorganisms.
Cooperative aggregates of microorganisms can form biofilms.
Biofilms possess emergent properties.
Microorganisms growing in a biofilm are highly resistant to antimicrobial agents.
Microorganisms in biofilms cooperate through quorum sensing.
Bacteriophages are used in the disinfection of water systems.

Applications and skills:

Application: Degradation of benzene by halophilic bacteria such as Marinobacter.
Application: Degradation of oil by Pseudomonas.
Application: Conversion by Pseudomonas of methyl mercury into elemental mercury.
Application: Use of biofilms in trickle filter beds for sewage treatment.
Skill: Evaluation of data or media reports on environmental problems caused by biofilms.

Guidance:

Examples of environmental problems caused by biofilms could include clogging and corrosion of pipes, transfer of microorganisms in ballast water or contamination of surfaces in food production.

International-mindedness:

During oil spills scientists from different parts of the world work together to protect the environment.

Theory of knowledge:

Emergent properties are the outcome of the interaction of the elements of a system. In what context is a reductionist approach to science productive and in what context is a reductionist approach problematic?

Utilization:
Syllabus and cross-curricular links:
Biology
Topic 1 Cell biology
Chemistry
Option C2 Fossil fuels
Environmental systems and societies
Topic 4.4 Water pollution
Topic 6.3 Photochemical smog
Topic 6.4 Acid deposition

Directly related questions

20N.3.HL.TZ0.12c:
State how viruses could be used to treat water systems, in order to avoid the use of a disinfectant.
20N.3.HL.TZ0.12c:
State how viruses could be used to treat water systems, in order to avoid the use of a disinfectant.
20N.3.HL.TZ0.c:
State how viruses could be used to treat water systems, in order to avoid the use of a disinfectant.
20N.3.HL.TZ0.12b:
The use of monochloramine is replacing the use of chlorine, as it is more stable, but it can produce by-products that pose possible health risks. Evaluate the data to see whether monochloramine is a good choice as a disinfectant for water systems.
20N.3.HL.TZ0.12b:
The use of monochloramine is replacing the use of chlorine, as it is more stable, but it can produce by-products that pose possible health risks. Evaluate the data to see whether monochloramine is a good choice as a disinfectant for water systems.
20N.3.HL.TZ0.b:
The use of monochloramine is replacing the use of chlorine, as it is more stable, but it can produce by-products that pose possible health risks. Evaluate the data to see whether monochloramine is a good choice as a disinfectant for water systems.
17N.3.SL.TZ0.10d:
Explain how quorum sensing benefits the bacteria within the steel pipes.
17N.3.SL.TZ0.10d:
Explain how quorum sensing benefits the bacteria within the steel pipes.
17N.3.SL.TZ0.d:
Explain how quorum sensing benefits the bacteria within the steel pipes.
17N.3.SL.TZ0.11:
The picture shows workers cleaning up a polluted stretch of coastline in Alaska after oil was leaked from a tanker.

[Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:OilCleanupAfterValdezSpill.jpg]

Explain how oil pollution can be treated by bioremediation.
17N.3.SL.TZ0.11:
The picture shows workers cleaning up a polluted stretch of coastline in Alaska after oil was leaked from a tanker.

[Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:OilCleanupAfterValdezSpill.jpg]

Explain how oil pollution can be treated by bioremediation.
17N.3.SL.TZ0.10b:
Suggest why membrane filtration may be more suitable than chlorination in purifying the water.
17N.3.SL.TZ0.10b:
Suggest why membrane filtration may be more suitable than chlorination in purifying the water.
17N.3.SL.TZ0.b:
Suggest why membrane filtration may be more suitable than chlorination in purifying the water.
17N.3.SL.TZ0.10c: Identify which two pipes would be required to study the effect of heat on biofilm accumulation.
17N.3.SL.TZ0.10c: Identify which two pipes would be required to study the effect of heat on biofilm accumulation.
17N.3.SL.TZ0.c: Identify which two pipes would be required to study the effect of heat on biofilm accumulation.
17N.3.HL.TZ0.11a:
Outline the emergent properties of biofilms.
17N.3.HL.TZ0.11a:
Outline the emergent properties of biofilms.
17N.3.HL.TZ0.a:
Outline the emergent properties of biofilms.
17N.3.HL.TZ0.11b:
State a positive application of biofilms.
17N.3.HL.TZ0.11b:
State a positive application of biofilms.
17N.3.HL.TZ0.b:
State a positive application of biofilms.
18M.3.SL.TZ2.9b: State the name of the strategy that involves the use of organisms to remove toxic substances from...
18M.3.SL.TZ2.9b: State the name of the strategy that involves the use of organisms to remove toxic substances from...
18M.3.SL.TZ2.b: State the name of the strategy that involves the use of organisms to remove toxic substances from...
18M.3.SL.TZ2.9a: Outline the trend in amount of salt in the soil over the study period.
18M.3.SL.TZ2.9a: Outline the trend in amount of salt in the soil over the study period.
18M.3.SL.TZ2.a: Outline the trend in amount of salt in the soil over the study period.
18M.3.SL.TZ1.11:
Explain the difficulties of treating microorganisms growing in biofilms.
18M.3.SL.TZ1.11:
Explain the difficulties of treating microorganisms growing in biofilms.
18M.3.HL.TZ1.11a.i: Define biofilm.
18M.3.HL.TZ1.11a.i: Define biofilm.
18M.3.HL.TZ1.a.i: Define biofilm.
18M.3.HL.TZ2.10b: Explain the persistence of urinary tract infections, if bacterial biofilms are formed.
18M.3.HL.TZ2.10b: Explain the persistence of urinary tract infections, if bacterial biofilms are formed.
18M.3.HL.TZ2.b: Explain the persistence of urinary tract infections, if bacterial biofilms are formed.
18M.3.HL.TZ2.13: Discuss the use of microorganisms in bioremediation.
18M.3.HL.TZ2.13: Discuss the use of microorganisms in bioremediation.
19M.3.HL.TZ1.9c.i: B. subtilis colonies form biofilms through quorum sensing. Define quorum sensing.
19M.3.HL.TZ1.9c.i: B. subtilis colonies form biofilms through quorum sensing. Define quorum sensing.
19M.3.HL.TZ1.c.i: B. subtilis colonies form biofilms through quorum sensing. Define quorum sensing.
19M.3.HL.TZ1.9c.ii: B. subtilis colonies form biofilms through quorum sensing. State three possible advantages to B....
19M.3.HL.TZ1.9c.ii: B. subtilis colonies form biofilms through quorum sensing. State three possible advantages to B....
19M.3.HL.TZ1.c.ii: B. subtilis colonies form biofilms through quorum sensing. State three possible advantages to B....
19M.3.HL.TZ1.11a:
Outline what is meant by halophilic when describing the bacteria.
19M.3.HL.TZ1.11a:
Outline what is meant by halophilic when describing the bacteria.
19M.3.HL.TZ1.a:
Outline what is meant by halophilic when describing the bacteria.
19M.3.HL.TZ1.11b:
Identify the salt concentration with the greatest rate of benzene biodegradation.

………………......… mol m^–3
19M.3.HL.TZ1.11b:
Identify the salt concentration with the greatest rate of benzene biodegradation.

………………......… mol m^–3
19M.3.HL.TZ1.b:
Identify the salt concentration with the greatest rate of benzene biodegradation.

………………......… mol m^–3
19M.3.SL.TZ2.11:
Explain the use of two named bacteria in response to pollution incidents.
19M.3.SL.TZ2.11:
Explain the use of two named bacteria in response to pollution incidents.
19M.3.HL.TZ1.11c:
State one genus of halophilic bacteria known to biodegrade benzene.
19M.3.HL.TZ1.11c:
State one genus of halophilic bacteria known to biodegrade benzene.
19M.3.HL.TZ1.c:
State one genus of halophilic bacteria known to biodegrade benzene.
19M.3.SL.TZ2.10b: Suggest one reason, other than quorum sensing, for the resistance to antibiotics of a biofilm.
19M.3.SL.TZ2.10b: Suggest one reason, other than quorum sensing, for the resistance to antibiotics of a biofilm.
19M.3.SL.TZ2.b: Suggest one reason, other than quorum sensing, for the resistance to antibiotics of a biofilm.
19M.3.HL.TZ2.10a.ii: Suggest one reason, other than quorum sensing, for the resistance to antibiotics of a biofilm.
19M.3.HL.TZ2.10a.ii: Suggest one reason, other than quorum sensing, for the resistance to antibiotics of a biofilm.
19M.3.HL.TZ2.a.ii: Suggest one reason, other than quorum sensing, for the resistance to antibiotics of a biofilm.
19M.3.HL.TZ2.10b: Outline one example of an environmental problem caused by biofilms.
19M.3.HL.TZ2.10b: Outline one example of an environmental problem caused by biofilms.
19M.3.HL.TZ2.b: Outline one example of an environmental problem caused by biofilms.
19N.3.SL.TZ0.11a: Compare and contrast the effect of ultrafiltration and nanofiltration on the drop in pressure.
19N.3.SL.TZ0.11a: Compare and contrast the effect of ultrafiltration and nanofiltration on the drop in pressure.
19N.3.SL.TZ0.a: Compare and contrast the effect of ultrafiltration and nanofiltration on the drop in pressure.
19N.3.HL.TZ0.11a:
Outline the aims and methods of bioremediation.
19N.3.HL.TZ0.11a:
Outline the aims and methods of bioremediation.
19N.3.HL.TZ0.a:
Outline the aims and methods of bioremediation.
17N.3.SL.TZ0.10a: State the effect chlorination has on the accumulation of biofilm in the pipe.
17N.3.SL.TZ0.10a: State the effect chlorination has on the accumulation of biofilm in the pipe.
17N.3.SL.TZ0.a: State the effect chlorination has on the accumulation of biofilm in the pipe.
17N.3.HL.TZ0.11c:
Suggest two problems that could be caused by the presence of biofilms in water systems.
17N.3.HL.TZ0.11c:
Suggest two problems that could be caused by the presence of biofilms in water systems.
17N.3.HL.TZ0.c:
Suggest two problems that could be caused by the presence of biofilms in water systems.
18M.3.SL.TZ1.10a: State the role of microorganisms in bioremediation.
18M.3.SL.TZ1.10a: State the role of microorganisms in bioremediation.
18M.3.SL.TZ1.a: State the role of microorganisms in bioremediation.
18M.3.SL.TZ1.10b:
Explain the use of a named bacterium in bioremediation.
18M.3.SL.TZ1.10b:
Explain the use of a named bacterium in bioremediation.
18M.3.SL.TZ1.b:
Explain the use of a named bacterium in bioremediation.
18M.3.HL.TZ1.11a.ii:
Explain the difficulties of treating microorganisms growing in biofilms.
18M.3.HL.TZ1.a.ii:
Explain the difficulties of treating microorganisms growing in biofilms.
18M.3.HL.TZ1.11a.ii:
Explain the difficulties of treating microorganisms growing in biofilms.
18M.3.HL.TZ1.11b:
Explain the use of a named bacterium in bioremediation.
18M.3.HL.TZ1.b:
Explain the use of a named bacterium in bioremediation.
18M.3.HL.TZ1.11b:
Explain the use of a named bacterium in bioremediation.
18M.3.SL.TZ2.8c: Outline the concept of an emergent property.
18M.3.SL.TZ2.8c: Outline the concept of an emergent property.
18M.3.SL.TZ2.c: Outline the concept of an emergent property.
18M.3.HL.TZ2.10a: Identify the step where the extracellular matrix first appears.
18M.3.HL.TZ2.10a: Identify the step where the extracellular matrix first appears.
18M.3.HL.TZ2.a: Identify the step where the extracellular matrix first appears.
18N.3.SL.TZ0.11: The micrograph shows a T4 bacteriophage. Discuss the use of bacteriophages in water systems.
18N.3.SL.TZ0.11: The micrograph shows a T4 bacteriophage. Discuss the use of bacteriophages in water systems.
18N.3.HL.TZ0.9a: Outline the characteristics which would indicate biofilm formation in Bacillus subtilis.
18N.3.HL.TZ0.9a: Outline the characteristics which would indicate biofilm formation in Bacillus subtilis.
18N.3.HL.TZ0.a: Outline the characteristics which would indicate biofilm formation in Bacillus subtilis.
18N.3.HL.TZ0.9b: The formation of hydrophobic concrete is an example of how biofilms can be useful. Outline one...
18N.3.HL.TZ0.9b: The formation of hydrophobic concrete is an example of how biofilms can be useful. Outline one...
18N.3.HL.TZ0.b: The formation of hydrophobic concrete is an example of how biofilms can be useful. Outline one...
19M.3.SL.TZ1.8d: P. aeruginosa is a concern in hospitals because it tends to form biofilms. Outline one reason for...
19M.3.SL.TZ1.8d: P. aeruginosa is a concern in hospitals because it tends to form biofilms. Outline one reason for...
19M.3.SL.TZ1.d: P. aeruginosa is a concern in hospitals because it tends to form biofilms. Outline one reason for...
19M.3.HL.TZ1.11d: Suggest one advantage to the bacteria of breaking down benzene.
19M.3.HL.TZ1.11d: Suggest one advantage to the bacteria of breaking down benzene.
19M.3.HL.TZ1.d: Suggest one advantage to the bacteria of breaking down benzene.
19M.3.SL.TZ2.10a: Outline the process of quorum sensing in bacteria forming a biofilm.
19M.3.SL.TZ2.10a: Outline the process of quorum sensing in bacteria forming a biofilm.
19M.3.SL.TZ2.a: Outline the process of quorum sensing in bacteria forming a biofilm.
19M.3.HL.TZ2.10a.i: Outline the process of quorum sensing in bacteria forming a biofilm.
19M.3.HL.TZ2.10a.i: Outline the process of quorum sensing in bacteria forming a biofilm.
19M.3.HL.TZ2.a.i: Outline the process of quorum sensing in bacteria forming a biofilm.
19N.3.SL.TZ0.11b: State one other way in which the formation of biofilms can be inhibited.
19N.3.SL.TZ0.11b: State one other way in which the formation of biofilms can be inhibited.
19N.3.SL.TZ0.b: State one other way in which the formation of biofilms can be inhibited.
19N.3.SL.TZ0.11c: Some biological systems show emergent properties. Emergent properties arise from the interaction...
19N.3.SL.TZ0.11c: Some biological systems show emergent properties. Emergent properties arise from the interaction...
19N.3.SL.TZ0.c: Some biological systems show emergent properties. Emergent properties arise from the interaction...
20N.3.SL.TZ0.11:
Trickle filter beds are used to treat sewage.

[Source: © International Baccalaureate Organization 2020.]

Explain the role of biofilms in sewage treatment.
20N.3.SL.TZ0.11:
Trickle filter beds are used to treat sewage.

[Source: © International Baccalaureate Organization 2020.]

Explain the role of biofilms in sewage treatment.
20N.3.HL.TZ0.12a: Bacteria sometimes form biofilms inside metal pipes in water systems. Distinguish between free...
20N.3.HL.TZ0.12a: Bacteria sometimes form biofilms inside metal pipes in water systems. Distinguish between free...
20N.3.HL.TZ0.a: Bacteria sometimes form biofilms inside metal pipes in water systems. Distinguish between free...

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B.3 Environmental protection

Description

Directly related questions

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