Question

How can we solve many environmental problems using modern biotechnology?

Answer 1

Hint: The application of biological methods to acquire major products which can be used for human welfare is known as biotechnology. Biotechnology simply increases that ability to a new level of accuracy. Similar to the earlier technologies, biotechnology promises to offer many benefits, particularly three general groups: higher yields, environmental protection, and improvements in people's health.

Complete step-by-step answer:
Several environmental issues are solved using modern biotechnology. Microbial methods are commonly utilised for the treatment of solid waste and sewage. Microbial techniques are used to oxide sewage water. After oxidation, this can be released into rivers. Microbes are useful on a large scale to produce compost by treatment on solid organic waste material. Biosensors, biofertilizers, biopesticides, bioremediation, and so on are some new concepts in biotechnological techniques which can actually be utilised for environmental protection. Bioremediation means either destruction or absorption of toxic chemicals and harmful contaminants using microorganisms and plants. If plants are utilised for this purpose, it is known as ‘phytoremediation’.
ExamplesPseudomonas are useful to clean the hydrocarbon and oil pollutants from water and soil. The fern Pteris vittata may absorb arsenic from the soil. Grasses such as rye, clover, and alfalfa are used in phytoremediation. Deinococcus radiodurans have been genetically modified and used to absorb the radiation from radioactive debris. Sunflowers can absorb arsenic and uranium. A genetically modified variety of Indian mustard can absorb selenium from soil.

Note: Modern biotechnology is currently being used in soils for cultivating better crops, in wastewater for removing odours and satisfying the regulatory requirements, in hazardous waste clean-up, and in many other sectors.