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Part of the book series: Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology ((ABAB,volume 63-65))

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Abstract

It is a challenge to encompass the varied subjects that deserve consideration under the heading of environmental biotechnology. Even a definition of environmental technology is difficult. The simplest approach is to define it as the use of biological technologies for sustaining or improving the environment. Bioremediation is practically synonymous with environmental biotechnology. Bioremediation deals with past contamination of the environment and the transformation of pollutants into benign substances. Environmental biotechnology has a future role for continued exploration of new, more easily degradable products and for manufacturing processes that prevent disposal problems. An understanding of ecosystems, thorough knowledge of biological pathways, and the means to measure biological activity are necessary to ensure success for cleaning up past problems and addressing future technologies.

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© 1997 Humana Press Inc.

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Beck, M.J., Barnes, J.M. (1997). Environmental Biotechnology. In: Davison, B.H., Wyman, C.E., Finkelstein, M. (eds) Biotechnology for Fuels and Chemicals. Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology, vol 63-65. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-2312-2_59

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-2312-2_59

  • Publisher Name: Humana Press

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4612-7497-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4612-2312-2

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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