Environmental
Biotechnology
• Bioremediation
•
Prevention
•
Detection and Monitoring
•
Genetic Engineering
Biotechnology is “the integration of natural
sciences and engineering in order to achieve
the application of organisms, cells, parts
thereof and molecular analogues for products
and services” (EFB General Assembly, 1989).
Environmental biotechnology as discussed in
this briefing paper is the application of these
processes for the protection and restoration of
the quality of our environment.
This briefing paper reviews the various
areas of environmental biotechnology
together with their related issues and
implications. The overall aim is to provide
balanced information and advance public
debate. This paper results from the
combined contributions of scientists,
industrialists, and governmental and
environmental
organisations
across
Europe. It is intended to supply information
and does not represent the views or policy
of
the
European
Federation
of
Biotechnology or any other body.
INTRODUCTION
Biotechnological processes to protect the
environment have been used for almost a
century now, even longer than the term
‘biotechnology’ exists. Municipal sewage
treatment plants and filters to purify town gas
were developed around the turn of the century.
They proved very effective although at the
time, little was known about the biological
principles underlying their function. Since that
time our knowledge base has increased
enormously. This briefing paper describes the
state-of-the-art
and
possibilities
of
environmental biotechnology. It also deals
with the societal aspects of environmental
biotechnology.
Biotechnological techniques to treat waste
before or after it has been brought into the
environment are described and exemplified in
the section on bioremediation. Biotechnology
can also be used to develop products and
processes that generate less waste and use less
non-renewable resources and energy. In this
respect biotechnology is well positioned to
contribute to the development of a more
sustainable soci