Release of recombinant microorganisms

This review addresses current environmental applications of naturally occurring, nonrecombinant microorganisms and potential future genetic modifications of such organisms, as well as releases of recombinant microorganisms that have occurred to date. Awareness of the current uses of nonrecombinant microorganisms provides insight into the diversity of habitats in which recombinant microorganisms may be released in the future, while an examination of potential and realized genetic modifications provides insight into the variety of applications for which recombinant microorganisms may be used. Analysis of the behavior, persistence, and dispersal of nonrecombinant strains further provides valuable information required for the assessment of the risk involved in release of recombinant derivatives of those strains. Approximately 27 distinct releases of recombinant microorganisms have occurred to date. This review assesses what has been learned from such releases regarding persistence, dispersal, and potential deleterious environmental effects.