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In this article we will discuss about Environmental Biotechnology:- 1. Meaning of Environmental Biotechnology 2. Key Points of Environment Biotechnology.
Meaning of Environmental Biotechnology:
The most important topics at the threshold of the 21st century are the environment and biotechnology. Environmental biotechnology can be defined as the marriage of environmental issues with the advances in biotechnology.
It is concerned with the application of biotechnology as an emerging technology in the context of environmental protection, since rapid industrialization, urbanization and other developments have resulted in a threatened clean environment and depleted natural resources.
It is not a new area of interest, because some of the issues of concern are familiar examples of “old” technologies, such as: composting, wastewater treatment, etc.
In its early stage, environmental biotechnology has evolved from chemical engineering, but later, other disciplines (biochemistry, environmental engineering, environmental microbiology, molecular biology, ecology) also contribute to environmental biotechnology development.
The development of multiple human activities in the sector of industry, transport, agriculture, domestic space, etc. have amplified the pollution of air, water and soil.
Studies and researches demonstrated that some of these pollutants can be readily degraded or removed by means of biotechnological solutions.
Advanced techniques are available to treat waste and degrade pollutants assisted by living organisms or to develop products and processes that generate less waste and preserve the natural non-renewable resources and energy as a result of the followings:
1. Improved treatments for solid waste and wastewater
2. Bioremediation: cleaning up contamination and phytoremediation
3. Ensuring the health of the environment through bio monitoring
4. Cleaner production: manufacturing with less pollution or less raw materials
5. Energy from biomass
6. Genetic engineering for environmental protection and control.
Key Points of Environment Biotechnology:
At least three key points are considered for environmental biotechnology. These are as follows:
1. To detect the pollution and any other environmental changes by means of biosensors and bio monitoring.
2. To prevent the unfavorable environmental changes in the manufacturing process by substitution of traditional processes.
3. To control and remediate the emission of pollutants into the environment.
By considering all these issues, biotechnology may be regarded as a driving force for integrated environmental protection by environmental bioremediation, waste minimization, environmental bio monitoring, bio maintenance. 