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Related Concept Videos

What is an Ecosystem?01:17

What is an Ecosystem?

Overview
Environmental Applications of Microorganisms01:30

Environmental Applications of Microorganisms

Microorganisms play a pivotal role in maintaining ecosystem balance by recycling essential elements such as carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, as well as supporting processes like bioremediation, wastewater treatment, and biofuel production.Microbes in Elemental CyclesIn the carbon cycle, microorganisms decompose organic matter, releasing carbon dioxide via aerobic respiration. This carbon dioxide is subsequently used by photosynthetic organisms to synthesize organic compounds, closing the...
The Soil Ecosystem02:23

The Soil Ecosystem

Plants obtain inorganic minerals and water from the soil, which acts as a natural medium for land plants. The composition and quality of soil depend not only on the chemical constituents but also on the presence of living organisms. In general, soils contain three major components:
Sustainable Development01:43

Sustainable Development

As the human population continues to grow and use resources, we must be mindful of our planet’s natural limits. Sustainable development provides a pathway to maintain and improve human life now while also ensuring that future generations will have the resources that they need. The long-term success of sustainability efforts rests on understanding the interplay between human actions and ecological systems.
Electrochemical Systems01:24

Electrochemical Systems

Electrochemical systems provide a fascinating insight into the dynamic interplay of charged species within various phases. One notable example is the interaction between a membrane permeable to K⁺ ions but not to Cl⁻ ions, separating an aqueous KCl solution from pure water. As K⁺ ions diffuse through the membrane, they generate net charges on each phase, leading to a potential difference between them.Similarly, when a piece of Zn is immersed in an aqueous ZnSO₄ solution, the Zn metal, composed...
Bioremediation00:46

Bioremediation

Bioremediation is the use of prokaryotes, fungi, or plants to remove pollutants from the environment. This process has been used to remove harmful toxins in groundwater as a byproduct of agricultural run-off and also to clean up oil spills.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 8, 2026

Ecosystem Fabrication (EcoFAB) Protocols for The Construction of Laboratory Ecosystems Designed to Study Plant-microbe Interactions
11:57

Ecosystem Fabrication (EcoFAB) Protocols for The Construction of Laboratory Ecosystems Designed to Study Plant-microbe Interactions

Published on: April 10, 2018

Ecosystem technology (ecotech): Harnessing natural processes to address global challenges.

Brian R Silliman1, Marc J S Hensel2,3, Ralph J M Temmink4

  • 1Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Beaufort, NC 28516, USA.

Science Advances
|May 6, 2026
PubMed
Summary

Ecosystem technology (ecotech) expands biological innovation outward from populations to the biosphere. This approach integrates ecology, engineering, and earth science for environmental solutions and a sustainable future.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 8, 2026

Ecosystem Fabrication (EcoFAB) Protocols for The Construction of Laboratory Ecosystems Designed to Study Plant-microbe Interactions
11:57

Ecosystem Fabrication (EcoFAB) Protocols for The Construction of Laboratory Ecosystems Designed to Study Plant-microbe Interactions

Published on: April 10, 2018

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Ecology
  • Engineering

Background:

  • Biotechnology has historically focused on organism-internal processes.
  • Global challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss require new approaches.
  • Existing technologies need integration for large-scale environmental solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Introduce ecosystem technology (ecotech) as a framework for outward-focused innovation.
  • Propose ecotech as a convergence accelerator for ecology, engineering, and earth science.
  • Outline ecotech's role in addressing environmental and societal challenges.

Main Methods:

  • Integrating principles from ecology, engineering, and earth science.
  • Developing a framework for "ecosystem technology" (ecotech).
  • Identifying cross-cutting actions for scalability, equity, and accountability.

Main Results:

  • Ecotech unites independently evolving technologies for environmental solutions.
  • It fosters new fields like ecomimicry and ecosystem sensing.
  • Ecotech offers pathways for nature restoration, carbon storage, and climate adaptation.

Conclusions:

  • Ecotech provides a scalable, equitable, and accountable approach to environmental challenges.
  • It integrates diverse scientific fields to drive innovation.
  • Ecotech transforms technology into a tool for securing a livable future and economic growth.