Environment is the term used for defining our surroundings which may include the biotic and abiotic components that are present around us. Biotic components include the microbes, plants and animals and abiotics are soil, water and air [1]. Biotechnology is the integration of technology and natural sciences by utilizing organisms and cells, to produce knowledge, services and products [2].
Environmental biotechnology refers to the application of biotechnology which is used for finding a way to solve the problems related to environment, in both conditions like in manmade ecosystem e.g. waste water treatment plants and in environment e.g. bioremediation, biodegradation of hazardous wastes and production of biofuel and biogas [3]. It is a field of scientific knowledge which involves microorganisms and products of them, to be used to prevent environmental pollution by utilizing various bio-treatment methods for all types of wastes like gaseous, solid and liquid wastes, bio-monitoring of various treatment methods and the environment [4].
The main principle of environmental biotechnology is to
• Treat wastes and effluents
• Develop environmental friendly procedures
• And produce alternate and more environment friendly things [3]
• To control environmental pollution
• To conserve biodiversity and environment [1] Processes that are catalyzed by microbes are thought to be more environment friendly as they can be run at natural conditions and produce less byproducts. These products are more biodegradable, like degradable plastics and polymers may be produced [3]. Environmental pollution is defined as the presence of those compounds and substances which are not required and are harmful for the environment as well as for humans and other living population of that specific environment, if present. As environmental pollution has been increased significantly either because of direct or indirect influence of human, rate of various diseases like cancer, infectious diseases and autoimmune disorders, is increased to a higher level. The efforts are made to use biotechnology to control environmental pollution as well as to conserve biodiversity, environment and its natural resources. …show more content…
For this purpose biotechnologists use microorganisms which are used as natural scavengers, so genetically modified microbes are used to clean the environment [1]. If biotechnology is used responsibly, it may provide us with renewable energy (bioenergy), less toxic products synthesis and new methods for monitoring environment [2]. These biotreatments rely on the physiology of microbes and their working is enhanced by optimizing the environmental factors. Microorganisms used for this purpose are aerobic, anaerobes and microaerophilies [4]. • The extensive use of some plants and other organisms may lead these species to extinction and genetic loss, thus disturbing the balance in the environment. Through biotechnology plant species near to extinct or those who are endangered can be conserved, especially plants with medicinal and nutritional uses. It can also help us to determine the resistance and growth capabilities of indigenous plants and the effect of foreign plants on them. Certain plants can also be made to or their capability is enhanced to fight against foreign invaders and grow through biotechnological methods (recombinant DNA technology). Some plants like ‘neem’ (Azadirachta indica) are made capable of reforestation (to conserve environment) and can be used as medicinal source and as bio-pesticides (natural sources) which can not affect environment and native species adversely [5]. • Biotechnologically produced crops are available now-a-days. These crops have a variety in them e.g. insect resistance, colored cotton (BT cotton), disease resistance, drought and stress tolerant plants are also there. Like in insect resistant plants such genes are incorporated which reduces the use of pest control sprays, so have less or no environmental impact. This would help in the reduced use of fuel (energy), packaging and water. In case of colored cotton; the use of dyes is inhibited. • These crops also improve the yield per hectare. As one of today’s biggest problem is habitat destruction. So these crop give high productivity in small piece of land, which reduces the habitat destruction and saves the biodiversity and hence the environment. • Some herbicide resistant crops help to conserve water and energy. As biotechnology makes it easier that seeds are directly sow in the field without first ploughing for weed removal. This maintains the soils moisture and saves water and fuel consumption as well
Environmental biotechnology refers to the application of biotechnology which is used for finding a way to solve the problems related to environment, in both conditions like in manmade ecosystem e.g. waste water treatment plants and in environment e.g. bioremediation, biodegradation of hazardous wastes and production of biofuel and biogas [3]. It is a field of scientific knowledge which involves microorganisms and products of them, to be used to prevent environmental pollution by utilizing various bio-treatment methods for all types of wastes like gaseous, solid and liquid wastes, bio-monitoring of various treatment methods and the environment [4].
The main principle of environmental biotechnology is to
• Treat wastes and effluents
• Develop environmental friendly procedures
• And produce alternate and more environment friendly things [3]
• To control environmental pollution
• To conserve biodiversity and environment [1] Processes that are catalyzed by microbes are thought to be more environment friendly as they can be run at natural conditions and produce less byproducts. These products are more biodegradable, like degradable plastics and polymers may be produced [3]. Environmental pollution is defined as the presence of those compounds and substances which are not required and are harmful for the environment as well as for humans and other living population of that specific environment, if present. As environmental pollution has been increased significantly either because of direct or indirect influence of human, rate of various diseases like cancer, infectious diseases and autoimmune disorders, is increased to a higher level. The efforts are made to use biotechnology to control environmental pollution as well as to conserve biodiversity, environment and its natural resources. …show more content…
For this purpose biotechnologists use microorganisms which are used as natural scavengers, so genetically modified microbes are used to clean the environment [1]. If biotechnology is used responsibly, it may provide us with renewable energy (bioenergy), less toxic products synthesis and new methods for monitoring environment [2]. These biotreatments rely on the physiology of microbes and their working is enhanced by optimizing the environmental factors. Microorganisms used for this purpose are aerobic, anaerobes and microaerophilies [4]. • The extensive use of some plants and other organisms may lead these species to extinction and genetic loss, thus disturbing the balance in the environment. Through biotechnology plant species near to extinct or those who are endangered can be conserved, especially plants with medicinal and nutritional uses. It can also help us to determine the resistance and growth capabilities of indigenous plants and the effect of foreign plants on them. Certain plants can also be made to or their capability is enhanced to fight against foreign invaders and grow through biotechnological methods (recombinant DNA technology). Some plants like ‘neem’ (Azadirachta indica) are made capable of reforestation (to conserve environment) and can be used as medicinal source and as bio-pesticides (natural sources) which can not affect environment and native species adversely [5]. • Biotechnologically produced crops are available now-a-days. These crops have a variety in them e.g. insect resistance, colored cotton (BT cotton), disease resistance, drought and stress tolerant plants are also there. Like in insect resistant plants such genes are incorporated which reduces the use of pest control sprays, so have less or no environmental impact. This would help in the reduced use of fuel (energy), packaging and water. In case of colored cotton; the use of dyes is inhibited. • These crops also improve the yield per hectare. As one of today’s biggest problem is habitat destruction. So these crop give high productivity in small piece of land, which reduces the habitat destruction and saves the biodiversity and hence the environment. • Some herbicide resistant crops help to conserve water and energy. As biotechnology makes it easier that seeds are directly sow in the field without first ploughing for weed removal. This maintains the soils moisture and saves water and fuel consumption as well