Question

How can we solve many environmental problems using modern biotechnology?

Answer 1

Many environmental problems are solved using modern biotechnology. Some of these are as follows:

1. Microbial techniques are commonly used for the treatment on sewage and solid waste.
2. Sewage (rich in organic matter) should be released into rivers only after oxidation with the help of microbial technique.
3. Microbes are useful on large scale for the production of compost by treatment on solid organic waste material.
4. Bio-remediation, biopesticides, biofertilizers, biosensors, etc, are some new concepts in biotechnological methods which can effectively be used to protect the environment.
5. Bioremediation means either absorption or destruction of toxic chemicals and harmful pollutants with the help of plants and microorganisms. If plants are used for this purpose, it called as ‘phytoremediation’.

e.g.

1. Pseudomonas are useful for cleaning the hydrocarbon and oil pollutants from soil and water.
2. The fern Pteris vitata can absorb arsenic from the soil.
3. Genetically modified variety of Indian mustard can absorb selenium from soil.
4. Sunflower can absorb uranium and arsenic.
5. Deinococcus radiodurans has been genetically modified and used to absorb the radiations from radioactive debris.
6. Grasses like alfalfa, clover and rye are used in phyto-remediation.