Environmental biotechnology in India: prospects and case studies

Area of Science:

• Environmental biotechnology
• Sustainable development

Background:

• The concept of sustainable development necessitates an expanded scope for environmental biotechnology.
• Key areas include environmental monitoring, quality restoration, resource recovery, and renewable resource substitution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To delineate current and prospective applications of environmental biotechnology in sustainable development.
• To document case studies illustrating these applications.

Main Methods:

• Review of current and prospective applications in environmental biotechnology.
• Documentation of case studies in specific sub-areas.

Main Results:

• Environmental monitoring: detection of enteric viruses.
• Restoration of environmental quality: oil spill remediation.
• Resource recovery: hydrocarbon recovery, biosurfactant production, desulfurization.
• Renewable resource substitution: conversion of lignocellulosics to chemicals.

Conclusions:

• Environmental biotechnology offers diverse solutions for environmental challenges.
• The field is crucial for advancing sustainable development goals.