Environmental biotechnology aims to create an equilibrium between human development and Earth’s natural environments, using microorganisms and higher organisms like plants to mitigate chemical contaminants found in air, water, and soil. Conventional technology relies on end-of-pipe processes for dealing with waste and pollution once it reaches waterways, soil, or air; however, artificially enhanced microorganisms may provide more effective solutions.
1. Biodegradable Plastics
Environmental biotechnology refers to the study of how microorganisms can prevent, monitor, and restore environmental pollution, such as air, water, and soil pollution, while helping maintain human health and protect its sustainability. Biodegradable plastics represent one of the cornerstones of environmental biotechnology. Biodegradable plastics have the power to cut fossil fuel usage and climate change emissions as well as lessen waste deposition.
Concerns have been expressed over the release of additives such as fillers, plasticizers, UV stabilizers, and colorants from biodegradable plastics during degradation. Standard test methods have been created to verify that biodegradable plastics do not introduce any contaminants into the environment.
2. Carbon Capture and Storage
Environmental biotechnology seeks ways to mitigate pollution before it enters natural ecosystems and can assist with recovering already polluted areas.
Carbon capture and storage (CCS), the process of collecting CO₂ emissions prior to reaching the atmosphere and storing them underground, is an essential tool in combatting climate change. Many companies and labs are currently developing this technology. Microbes use organic waste to generate biogas and biofertilizer that can then be used to nourish plants—this provides a safer and cleaner alternative than chemical fertilizers derived from fossil fuels.
3. Biofuels
Biofuels are liquid or gaseous fuels derived from plants that can be used to power cars, trucks, and aircraft. Biofuels provide renewable resources without as many emissions as conventional petroleum-based fuels like gasoline and diesel.
Microorganisms and fungi are frequently utilized in environmental biotechnology to control contamination and treat waste. These organisms can break down and degrade toxic materials in the environment, such as chemical toxins, to return the affected area back to its original condition. Biofuels may pose some threats, including competing with food crops and leading to deforestation, so their use should be approached with care and consideration.
4. Biodegradable Packaging
Eco-friendly biodegradable packaging reduces plastic waste while helping food products maintain their shelf life, meeting strict environmental compliance standards, and drawing customers with low carbon footprints to purchase from businesses with an ecological footprint.
Natural, renewable, and compostable materials like proteins, polysaccharides, and cellulose can be used to make biodegradable food packaging. Their degradation rates and mechanical integrity can be monitored through respirometry, spectroscopic analysis, or thermogravimetric measurements. Farmers’ markets and food stalls use them to package fresh fruit, vegetables, and prepared foods; airlines and travel companies utilize them to offer sustainable meal options during flights and train rides.
5. Biodegradable Detergents
As consumers become more eco-conscious, they are demanding sustainable and biodegradable cleaning products that deliver excellent cleaning results—fueling the expansion of the global biodegradable detergents market.
Biodegradable detergents offer an alternative to regular detergents, which contain chemicals known to pollute water through soap suds. Biodegradable versions use enzymes extracted from microorganisms to dissolve tough stains. Not only are they healthier, but they also reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Lygos application scientists can assist with the formulation and product development of biodegradable detergents. Our OECD 301 tests measure their readiness for biodegradation in an aerobic aqueous environment.
6. Biodegradable Textiles
Cotton, jute, and linen fibers, as well as natural fibers such as wool or silk, and materials made from seeds, shells, wood, and nuts are biodegradable materials. Clothing often combines different fibers that require significant processing or require add-ons like buttons, zippers, threads, and labels that further decrease biodegradability.
Fashion industry impacts are significant, including water consumption and pollution from dyeing processes. Addressing these concerns requires moving away from linear take-make-dispose models towards circular systems. Environmental biotechnology aims to minimize its impacts through various means. From collecting carbon dioxide from power stations and storing it underground to using trees or machines to absorb it from the atmosphere, environmental biotech has many ways of combatting global warming.
7. Biodegradable Plastics
Environmental biotechnology is an indispensable tool for mitigating waste’s ecological effects and turning it into usable materials, such as extracting metals like copper from mine tailings or producing methane from landfills.
Avantium is leading the charge in developing biodegradable plastics from plant-based materials. They collaborate with major companies like Coca-Cola and Danone in producing bottles and containers made entirely from plant-based material. Yet there remains some misunderstanding among consumers regarding what biodegradability entails for plastics, so labels indicating this feature must provide clear evidence as to when and how this process occurs.
8. Biodegradable Packaging
Biodegradable packaging offers an eco-friendly alternative to the plastic pollution that has plagued natural environments worldwide. Constructed using biopolymers derived from sources like cellulose, cornstarch, and soy protein or synthesized using monomers derived from plant or bacterial sources, biodegradable packaging offers an eco-friendly solution.
Biodegradable packaging can also be made out of recyclable paper and cardboard, both renewable resources. These options are more cost-effective to acquire and produce than plastic packaging and more appealing to consumers who prioritize sustainability; additionally, they can help reduce food waste.
9. Biodegradable Detergents
As opposed to conventional laundry detergents, biodegradable options use plant-based ingredients that break down more quickly in the environment, thus helping reduce water pollution and protect our water sources from chemical runoff. Biodegradable detergents provide a more eco-friendly cleaning alternative than synthetic cleaning products and can be used with high-efficiency washing machines to save energy and water consumption.
These products must pass OECD 301B tests for readily biodegradable detergents to meet safety and environmental sustainability. These tests involve measuring carbon dioxide evolution over 28 days in continuously aerated bottles for testing of readily biodegradable detergents.
