We all want to live in a world which is safe from chemical
contamination and Biotechnology is providing solutions to pollution
by finding bacteria and fungi which consume these wastes to make the
planet a safer environment to raise your children.
If necessary microbes can be genetically modified to provide a strain
which can live in and consume a high toxicity waste spill or illegal
release.
Are These Microbes Safe In The Natural Environment
As these are modified they are less able to survive in the natural
environment, so when the environment reverts back to the natural
state these modified bacteria can not survive.
They are designed to consume only a certain range of waste and stringent
tests are carried out during and after manufacture of these organisms
to ensure the environment is not at risk from any source.
Australian scientists are conducting research into degradation
of noxious chemicals which in the past have been renowned for their
chemical stability i.e. DDT, Dieldrin, Aldrin, and Polycarbonated
Biphenyls etc. and before the full impact of their use was understood
were extensively incorporated in the manufacture of paints, varnishes,
refrigerants, solvents, electronic components, herbicides and pesticides.
This research has found the structural components of these chemicals
is similar to lignin which is one of the main components
of wood.
therefore research is being conducted on the fungi and microbes
which attack wood such as white rot of which there are six different
strains.
What other options do we have when it comes to the destruction
of these compounds;
- High Temperature Incineration, if toxin is contained - usually
carried out offshore to eliminate problems with environmental
action groups. ( not very popular )
- Quarantine affected area and wait. ( as a general rule, longer
than our lifetime )
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