Biochem 168

Environmental Biochemistry
Noel S. Quiming, Ph.D.
Department of Physical Sciences and Mathematics
College of Arts and Sciences and
University of the Philippines Manila
The Health Sciences Center
Padre Faura, Ermita, Manila 1000

Course Title: Environmental Biochemistry
BIOCHEM 168
Course Description: Molecular mechanisms of Chemical
Effects of Environmental Agents; Environmental
Management.
This is a core subject for BS Biochemistry students designed
to study the interactions between environmental
contaminants and living organisms from two points of view:
a) the behaviour of xenobiotics into living organisms; their
biotransformation reactions and reactive species formation
and b) the toxic effects which can lead to mutations and/or
genotypic and phenotypic changes.
Course Objectives:
At the end of the course, the student should be able
to:
1. Know the various substances that can alter the genes of
living organisms.
2.2. Explain the mechanisms leading to mutation and /or
genotypic and phenotypic changes.
3.3. Predict effects of toxic wastes and pollutants on the
environment and on various life forms.
4. Propose plausible strategies in environmental
management.
Course Outline
I. Sources, Classifications, and Properties of Pollutants
A. Organic Pollutants
1.Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Dioxins and Dibenzofurans
2.Polychlorinated Aromatic Hydrocarbons
3.Pesticides
B. Inorganic Pollutants
1.Reactive Intermediates in the Atmosphere(OHx, NOx, and ClOx
Radicals)
2.Gases, Acids, and Bases
3.Heavy Metals
4.Radioactive Substances
II. Concepts and Mechanisms of Toxicity
A. Routes and Mechanisms of Toxicant Entry to Organism
1. Mechanisms of Entry to Organism
2. Chemical Properties of Compounds That Cross Cell
Membranes
3. Routes of Entry to Organisms
B. Distribution of Toxicants within the Organisms
C. Biotransformation of Toxicants
1. Phase I Transformations (Functionalization Reactions)
2. Phase II Transformations (Conjugation Reactions)

D. Structural Affinity and Toxic Effects
1. Heavy Metals and Metallothionins
2. Acetylcholinesterase Inhibition by Organophosphate and
Carbamate Insecticides
3. Toxic Effects by Organochlorinated Compounds (Oxidative
Phosphorylation Inhibition, Endocrine Disruption, AH Receptor
Inhibition)

First Exam

III. Cellular Damage and Defense Mechanisms
A. Free Radical Effects
B. Oxidative Stress Lipid Peroxidation
C. DNA Damages and Mutations
1. Chemical Carcinogens
2. Mechanism of Carcinogenicity
3. Factors Involved in Carcinogenesis
D. Defense Mechanisms
1. Endogenous antioxidants (Radical Scavengers)
2. Detoxification Enzymes (Dismutase, Peroxidase,
GluReductase)
3. Immune Response and Role of Eicosanoids
Second Exam
IV. Abiotic and Biotic Transformations of Pollutants

A. Basis for Reactivity in Abiotic and Biotic Transformations
B. Abiotic Transformation of Pollutants
C. Biotic Transformation of Pollutants
D. Fundamentals of Microbial Growth and Metabolism
E. Biodegradation Reactions and Pathways of Hazardous
Pollutants
V. Hazardous Waste Management and Design
A. Concepts of Waste Minimization and Pollution Prevention
B. Concepts in Hazardous Waste Remediation and
Treatment
C. Classification of Remediation and Treatment Processes
D. Design of Selected Pathway Applications

Third Exam
Grading System
Long Exams: 75%
Oral or Written Report, Fieldtrip (?): 25%
Class Standing: 2/3
Final Exam: 1/3
>A student may be exempted from the final exam provided he/ she
has a class standing of 55% or better and has no grade lower than
40% in any of the long examination.
>A student who missed a long exam for a valid reason will
automatically take the final exam. His/ her score in the final exam will
make up for the missed exam.
>University rules on attendance will be strictly observed.
>Cheating in all forms merits a grade of 5.0.
References
1. Watts, Richard(1998)Hazardous Wastes
2. Manahan,Stanley(1991) Environmental Chemistry
3. Yen, Teh Fuh(1999) Environmental Chemistry
4. Van Loon, Gary(2000) Environmental Chemistry: A Global Perspective
5. Connell, Des(1998) Basic Concepts of Environmental Chemistry
6. Freifelder, David(1993) Essentials of Molecular Biology
7. Dragun, James(1988) The Soil Chemistry of Hazardous Materials
8. Corbett, JR.(1974)The Biochemical Mode of Action of Pesticides
9. Valentine, Joan ed.(1995) Active Oxygen in Biochemistry
10. Kent, Chris(1998) Basics of Toxicology
11. Gibson, David(1984)Microbial Degradation of Organic Compounds
12. White, David(1995) The Physiology and Biochemistry of Prokaryotes
13. VanDenmark, Paul(1987)The Microbes: An Introduction to their Nature and Importance
14. Atlas, Ronald(1995) Principles of Microbiology
15. Matsuo, Tomonori(2001) Advances in Water and Wastewater Treatment Technology
Manuals on Pollution Abatement(1999)