ENVIRONMENTAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
Environmental Biotechnology
(BT232AT)
2023-2024
Submitted by
Name 1 - LAVANYA M USN1 1RV22CS097
Name2 - HIMASHREE NR USN2 1RV22CS069
Name3 - D S S MOHAN USN3 1RV22CS042
Name4 - CHAKRESH USN4 1RV22CS040
Under the guidance of
Dr. Trilokchandran.B
Department of Biotechnology
RV College of Engineering
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
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Contents
1. Abstract
2. Introduction
3. Case studies
4. Applications
5. Conclusion
6. References
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ABSTRACT
Environmental biotechnology is a multidisciplinary field that utilizes living organisms and
biological processes to address environmental challenges and promote sustainability. This report
provides an overview of the principles, applications, and implications of environmental
biotechnology, highlighting its significance in mitigating pollution, managing waste, and
conserving resources.
INTRODUCTION
Environmental biotechnology harnesses the power of living organisms and biological processes
to address a wide range of environmental challenges, ranging from pollution cleanup to
sustainable energy production. It represents a convergence of biology, chemistry, engineering,
and environmental science to develop innovative solutions for a cleaner and more sustainable
world.
At its core, environmental biotechnology seeks to leverage the remarkable capabilities of
microorganisms, plants, and other biological entities to remediate environmental pollutants,
manage waste streams, and promote resource conservation. Unlike conventional approaches,
which often rely on chemical treatments or mechanical processes, environmental biotechnology
offers more sustainable and cost-effective solutions that work in harmony with nature.
Case studies:
Advanced methods for insect nets: red-colored nets contribute to sustainable agriculture :
The development of advanced pest control methods that reduce reliance on insecticides is crucial
for sustainable agriculture, especially concerning micro pests resistant to conventional
treatments. In this context, researchers have explored innovative approaches to enhance the
effectiveness of existing pest management tools. One such advancement involves the
modification of conventional insect nets by changing their color to red. This alteration exploits
the visual and behavioral characteristics of pests to achieve pest control without relying heavily
on chemical insecticides. The concept is based on the fact that certain insect species, including
onion thrips (Thrips tabaci), are attracted to or repelled by specific colors due to their unique
color vision and behavioral responses. The study focused on onion thrips, a significant vector of
Iris Yellow Spot Virus (IYSV) and Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV), which cause substantial
damage to various vegetables. By employing red nets in a Welsh onion greenhouse, researchers
observed a notable reduction in the invasion rates and damages caused by thrips, as indicated by
fewer white spots on the leaves.
Environmental Biotechnology for Medical Waste Management
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The increasing environmental and human health concerns associated with medical waste have
led to the development of environmental biotechnology as a means of mitigating its negative
effects.
Bioremediation - Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) is an illustration of a recombinant enzyme that
can be utilized for the bioremediation of medical waste. HRP, which contains heme, is capable of
catalyzing the oxidation of a variety of organic contaminants, such as phenols and polycyclic
aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are frequently found in medical waste. To enable its
usage in bioremediation applications, recombinant HRP can be created via genetic engineering
techniques and immobilized on the solid support.
COMPOSTING- Bacillus subtilis is one type of bacterium used in composting. This bacterium
can degrade a wide range of organic substances and is frequently found in soil. It is frequently
used in composting to hasten decomposition and create high quality final products. Another
illustration is the fungus Aspergillus niger, which is frequently employed in the pharmaceutical
and food industries due to its capacity to manufacture enzymes.
CHEMICALS
Bulk chemical synthesis from renewable resources is still limited. but it is confirmed that the
bioconversion of renewable biomass feedstock such as agricultural and wood wastes into ethanol
or other fuels can lead to major environmental and economic development.
Applications of Environmental Biotechnology:
Environmental protection is an integral component of sustainable development. The environment
is threatened every day by the activities of man. With the continued increase in the use of
chemicals, energy and non-renewable resources by an expanding global population, associated
environmental problems are also increasing. Despite escalating efforts to prevent waste
accumulation and to promote recycling, the amount of environmental damage caused by over-
consumption, the quantities of waste generated and the degree of unsustainable land use appear
likely to continue growing.
Air and Waste Gases:
With the onset of human civilization, the air is one of the first and most polluted components of
the atmosphere. Most air pollution comes from one human activity: burning fossil fuels—natural
gas, coal, and oil—to power industrial processes and motor vehicles. When fuels are
incompletely burned, various chemicals called volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) also enter the
air. Pollutants also come from other sources.
Air containing volatile compounds is passed through the bioreactors, where the volatile
compounds are transferred from the gas phase into the liquid phase. Microbial community
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(mixture of different bacteria, fungi and protozoa) grow in this liquid phase and remove the
compounds acquired from the air.
In the bio filters, the air is passed through a bed packed with organic materials that supplies the
necessary nutrients for the growth of the microorganisms. This medium is kept damp by
maintaining the humidity of the incoming air. Biological off-gas treatment is generally based on
the absorption of the VOC in the waste gases into the aqueous phase followed by direct oxidation
by a wide range of voracious bacteria, which include Nocardia sp. and Xanthomonas sp.
Bioremediation:
Bioremediation refers to the productive use of microorganisms to remove or detoxify pollutants,
usually as contaminants of soils, water or sediments that otherwise intimidate human health.
Microorganisms have been used for many years to remove organic matter and toxic chemicals
from domestic and manufacturing waste discharge.Significant reduction or complete elimination
of harsh chemicals may be achieved as is observed in leather, textile processing and pulp and
paper industry. Only 1-2g of hemicellulose is substituted for 10-15 kg of chlorine to treat 1 tonne
of pulp, thereby significantly reducing the chlorinated organic effluent. Environmental protection
and remediation presently combine biotechnological, chemical, physical and engineering
methods.
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CONCLUSION-
In conclusion, environmental biotechnology stands as a promising avenue for addressing
contemporary environmental challenges. Through innovative applications of biological
processes, this field offers sustainable solutions for pollution remediation, waste management,
and resource recovery. The integration of biotechnological advancements with environmental
conservation efforts not only promotes ecological health but also fosters economic growth and
social well-being. However, continued research, development, and implementation are essential
to maximize the potential of environmental biotechnology in mitigating environmental
degradation and fostering a more sustainable future for generations to come.
References
/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24163378/
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-45749-3
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-54610-y
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