Main El
Main El
Review"
Dr.Trilok Chandran B1, Lavanya M2, Himashree N R3, D S S Mohan4, Chakresh K V S5
[email protected],[email protected],[email protected],[email protected],ckvenkatasai.cs2
[email protected]
Abstract - This paper describes the state-of-the-art and possibilities of environmental biotechnology and reviews its
various areas together with their related issues and implications. Considering the number of problems that define and
concretize the field of environmental biotechnology, the role of some bioprocesses and biosystems for environmental
protection, control and health based on the utilisation of living organisms are analysed. Environmental remediation,
pollution prevention, detection and monitoring are evaluated considering the achievements, as well as the perspectives
in the development of biotechnology. In addition to highlighting the current advancements and potential applications of
environmental biotechnology, this paper underscores the pivotal role of bioprocesses and biosystems in safeguarding
ecosystems, regulating pollution, and promoting public health through the utilisation of living organisms. By delving
into environmental remediation, pollution prevention, and detection and monitoring techniques, it explores both the
accomplishments to date and the future prospects in the continuous evolution of biotechnological solutions for
environmental sustainability and ecological preservation.
1. Introduction
sustainable strategies for addressing environmental
Environmental biotechnology is a dynamic field that challenges.
integrates biological processes to address a myriad of
environmental challenges. This paper delves into the Central to environmental biotechnology is the concept of
multifaceted applications of environmental sustainable resource management. This entails
biotechnology, ranging from enhancing pest control to maximising the efficiency of natural resource utilisation
devising innovative solutions for environmental issues. while minimising waste and environmental degradation.
By harnessing the inherent capabilities of biological Through biotechnological processes, renewable
systems, environmental biotechnology offers promising resources can be tapped for energy production,
avenues for sustainable development and environmental bioremediation, and sustainable agriculture, thereby
stewardship. contributing to a more environmentally sustainable
future.
One prominent application of environmental
biotechnology is the enhancement of pest control. This Moreover, environmental biotechnology continuously
involves utilising biological agents such as microbes, pioneers innovative solutions for environmental
fungi, and plants to manage pest populations in challenges. From biomimicry-inspired technologies to
agricultural and urban environments. Unlike traditional novel bioremediation approaches, these innovations hold
chemical pesticides, biological control methods are eco- promise for mitigating emerging environmental threats
friendly and minimise harm to non-target organisms, and building resilience in the face of climate change. By
thus preserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge and
agricultural practices. technological advancements, environmental
biotechnology strives to safeguard ecosystems, promote
Another hallmark of environmental biotechnology is its human health, and foster a sustainable coexistence with
cross-disciplinary nature, drawing upon insights and the natural world.
techniques from diverse fields including biology,
chemistry, engineering, and ecology. This
interdisciplinary collaboration fosters innovation and 2. Case Studies
enables the development of holistic solutions to complex
environmental problems. By integrating knowledge and 2.1 Environmental Biotechnology for Medical Waste
expertise from various disciplines, environmental Management
biotechnologists can devise more effective and The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has become a
threat and a major global challenge [1]. An outbreak of
coronavirus disease was discovered in Wuhan City,
Hubei Province, China in early December 2019 [18] .The including infectious, chemical, pharmaceutical, or
radioactive waste. These biotechnological methods offer
rising environmental and human health risks linked with
a means to mitigate the environmental and health
medical waste have spurred the advancement of
ramifications of waste by averting the release of
environmental biotechnology as a solution to alleviate its
hazardous substances like dioxins, furans, and heavy
adverse impacts. Within the healthcare sector, effective
metals into the atmosphere, water bodies, and soil.[17]
management of medical waste is a paramount concern
due to its potential to pose serious threats to both the Bioremediation
environment and public health. Medical waste is
categorised into infectious, hazardous, and non- Bioremediation involves using living organisms or their
hazardous, requiring distinct methods for treatment and by-products to degrade environmental toxins.
disposal. According to data from the World Health Recombinant enzymes, like horseradish peroxidase
Organization (WHO), healthcare activities generated (HRP) and laccase, can be genetically engineered to
significant volumes of waste in 2020-2021, including 87 catalyse the breakdown of organic contaminants in
thousand tonnes of personal protective equipment (PPE), medical waste. These enzymes can target a variety of
0.73 million litres of chemical waste, and an additional substances such as phenols, polycyclic aromatic
0.15 million tonnes of medical waste, alongside over 8 hydrocarbons (PAHs), and lignin, significantly reducing
billion vaccine doses. the environmental impact of medical waste.
Additionally, enzymes like lipases, proteases, and
cellulases can further enhance bioremediation efforts by
breaking down lipids, proteins, and cellulose present in
medical waste streams[17] .
2.1.2 Composting
· Waste
· Antimicrobial resistance
Circular Economy-
Lastly, fostering innovative partnerships is crucial for Data collection involved searching ISI Web of
driving change. Interdisciplinary collaboration involving Science and SCOPUS until December 31,
state, non-state, and institutional stakeholders facilitates 2017, and contacting potential data holders.
the exchange of knowledge and resources. These Inclusion criteria comprised measurement of
partnerships, as outlined in the Sustainable Development pollination and/or pest control services in ≥
Goals, are essential for implementing innovative six fields per study, excluding small-scale
solutions that address complex challenges and drive plot treatments.[4] Thirty-five studies were
sustainable development. collected, covering 868 service-site-year
combinations. Standardisation involved z-
2.4 Enhancing Pest Control scores, with pollination measured by seed
set, fruit set, and visitation rate, and pest
Effective pest control in complex landscapes hinges on control by parasitism and predation.
understanding various factors. Natural habitat fragments Landscape descriptors like plant richness
play a crucial role, increasing pest suppression by were analysed using mixed-effect models,
fostering higher parasitism rates and reducing crop employing R for statistical analysis and log-
damage. However, challenges like the[1] absence of likelihood ratio tests for inference validation.
natural enemies and agricultural practices can impede
control efforts. Abiotic factors and farming practices The community service project aimed to improve mango
also influence pest dynamics, while intraguild predation plant pest control through Community Education and
dynamics and temporal variations further impact pest Training methods. Community Education sessions
control efficacy. Natural habitats serve as reservoirs for fostered interactive discussions, allowing farmers to
both pests and their natural enemies, highlighting the grasp sustainable pest management practices. Training
intricate relationship between habitat diversity and pest sessions provided hands-on demonstrations, including
management strategies. live refugia planting and knowledge sharing by
agricultural experts.[5] Systematic field observations
The novel formulation AV@Ti3C2 demonstrates evaluated effectiveness. These efforts equipped farmers
promising advancements in pest control, boasting with practical skills and knowledge vital for sustainable
enhanced water solubility, pH-responsive slow-release pest control in mango cultivation, fostering a more
behaviour, and excellent photostability under UV resilient and environmentally friendly approach to
irradiation. These attributes contribute to sustained and agriculture.
enhanced anti-pest activity, addressing the issue of burst-
release commonly observed in conventional To denoise pest sound, a series of techniques are
formulations. Furthermore, AV@Ti3C2 exhibits employed. Initially, a high-pass filter eliminates baseline
satisfactory biosafety, as evidenced by its negligible wandering noises, followed by a hybrid window filter to
adverse effects on maize germination and growth. This attenuate specific high-frequency noise components. A
research underscores its potential as an effective and safe smoothing filter provides a smoothing effect. The Rife-
pest control agent, offering improved efficacy and safety Vincent Window technique is implemented to remove
for sustainable agricultural practices.[2] spectral leakage, while the Cosine-Taper Window
algorithm converts frames[6’. Fast Fourier transform and
Discrete Fourier transform aid in extracting frequency challenges effectively, such as through the concept of
domain data and recognizing pest types. Short-term counter syndemics and ecosyndemics. Additionally,
Fourier transition enables effective monitoring, while the multidisciplinary approaches are crucial in studying
HFDLNet System Model integrates multi-feature and COVID-19 as a syndemic and developing
multi-deep learning networks for pest detection in comprehensive interventions informed by syndemic
agricultural fields. thinking, as demonstrated by programs like DREAMS
and interventions targeting syndemic factors among men
This study integrates expert surveys with spatial who have sex with men in India.[8]
modelling to estimate natural pest control potential in
intensively managed temperate landscapes. By assessing The circular economy framework plays a crucial role in
the abundance of natural enemy groups, including advancing sustainability by minimising resource use,
generalist predators, specialist predators, and parasitoids, waste generation, and energy consumption while aiming
the research identifies the influence of various land uses to close material and utility loops. Environmental
and agricultural management practices on natural enemy performance indicators, such as carbon emissions and
abundance. Utilising Likert scale assessments, experts water footprint, are vital for assessing sustainability
evaluate the capacity of different habitats and through life cycle assessment methodologies. Despite
management practices to support natural enemy groups, global concerns like GHG emissions and climate change,
validating the spatial model's predictions against field- locally adapted strategies are essential to address
measured values. These findings inform the design of regional conditions effectively.[9] Interconnected
pest control strategies, emphasising the significance of challenges in energy, water, and waste management
habitat diversity and sustainable management practices underscore the need for nexus approaches to tackle
in promoting natural pest control services in agricultural multiple sustainability dimensions simultaneously.
landscapes. Research must focus on interdisciplinary collaboration to
develop innovative solutions and inform policy decisions
2.5 Cross-disciplinary Approaches for environmental sustainability.
This cross-disciplinary analysis examines environmental Interdisciplinary research is pivotal for tackling complex
health inequities, emphasising collaboration between environmental challenges by leveraging insights across
socio-economic and environmental health sciences to multiple disciplines. A commonly used framework
understand structural factors contributing to disparities. distinguishes multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, and
It advocates for public and environmental health literacy transdisciplinary approaches, each shaping scientific
initiatives to empower communities, promote informed inquiry uniquely. Today's environmental issues require
decisions, and advocate for policy changes.[7] collaboration between natural and social sciences, with
International scientific cooperation is highlighted for decision-makers seeking socially relevant research.
equitable collaboration, bidirectional knowledge Disparities in scientific excellence between Western and
exchange, and integrating local insights to inform Central/Eastern European countries exist, yet research
prevention actions. Using contaminated sites as a case exploring contextual factors in these regions is limited.
study, the analysis underscores the importance of holistic Case studies like Slovenia aim to understand how
approaches, cross-disciplinary solutions, and raising researchers navigate disciplinary boundaries and
knowledge and awareness to address global contextual influences, shedding light on interdisciplinary
environmental health challenges effectively. dynamics.[10]
The analysis elucidates the evolution of syndemic theory The study presents a groundbreaking method for
across diverse health-related disciplines, showcasing identifying and designing biopolymer stabilised soil
collaborative efforts to understand complex health systems, integrating both microscopic and macroscopic
phenomena. It underscores the interdisciplinary nature of analyses. By combining microscopic analysis with the
syndemic theory, particularly in the context of the MEBAS method and MBC, along with macroscopic
COVID-19 pandemic, emphasising cross-disciplinary verification through GV, the approach offers a
approaches in addressing health challenges. Scholars comprehensive understanding.[11] Screening of
from anthropology, epidemiology, and public health biopolymers on mine tailings demonstrates locust bean
have applied syndemic theory to various contexts, gum and guar gum as effective, attributed to their
integrating insights to illuminate the role of social, bonding capabilities. Addition of these biopolymers
economic, and environmental factors in health outcomes. enhances strength significantly, with the novel method
Studies highlight the intersectionality of race, identity, accelerating assessment rates, promising broader
and sexuality in shaping health disparities and emphasise applicability across soil components and additives.
interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing syndemic
2.6 Sustainability and Resource Conservation
Major global challenges encompass food security,
Despite human economic expansion straining the livelihood, water security, and natural resource
environment, societal action to address sustainability conservation, with developing nations facing additional
remains limited. However, organisations are increasingly hurdles due to climate change and globalisation.
integrating sustainability into strategic plans alongside Sustainable agricultural practices are pivotal for
financial profit, with 70% of global companies balancing resource utilisation with economic growth,
prioritising sustainability. The UN's 2030 Agenda for particularly in developing regions. Integrated farming
Sustainable Development emphasises collaboration systems emerge as a solution, efficiently utilising
across sectors to achieve economic, social, and resources by combining crop and livestock production.
environmental sustainability. Yet, the role of Human While offering benefits such as increased income and
Resource Management (HRM) in sustainable land use efficiency, challenges like nutrient management
development is underexplored. HRM tasks, including and technology accessibility persist.[15] Overcoming
policy-making, planning, training, and fostering these barriers requires addressing socioeconomic factors
teamwork, are crucial for promoting sustainability within and promoting inclusive support services to ensure
organisations. Through a comprehensive methodology, successful implementation of integrated farming systems
this study analyses how Strategic Human Resource for sustainable development.
Management (SHRM) contributes to achieving
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), identifying
individual green behaviours, green competencies, and With sustainability gaining traction, businesses align
green HRM practices that enhance organisational with the UN Agenda 2030, driving initiatives to address
performance and align with SDGs, ensuring sustained global environmental challenges. The CE-I4.0 nexus,
benefits and viability.[12] combining Circular Economy practises with Industry 4.0
technologies, offers promising pathways for industrial
Challenges in production intensification have emerged in sustainability. Analysing 50 articles, the study reveals
South Asia's rice-wheat systems despite initial success the growing interest in leveraging CE and I4.0 to achieve
from Green Revolution technologies. Issues like Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This
declining soil health, groundwater depletion, and pest interdisciplinary approach contributes significantly to
outbreaks threaten sustainability. Resource Conservation SDGs related to economic growth, sustainable
Technologies (RCTs), promoted through collaborative consumption, clean energy, innovation, and climate
efforts like the Rice-Wheat Consortium (RWC), offer action, while indirectly impacting other societal and
alternative tillage methods to address these challenges. environmental objectives.[16]
Stakeholder engagement has facilitated RCT
dissemination, leading to improved productivity and 3. Challenges and opportunities:
environmental sustainability.[13] However, regional-
specific solutions are crucial for ensuring sustainable In the field of environmental biotechnology, obstacles
productivity in the face of evolving agro-ecological range from regulatory complexities to technical
conditions and emerging socio-economic constraints. scalability and economic constraints, impeding
widespread adoption. Regulatory challenges stem from
The depletion of wetland resources threatens ecosystem GMO usage and liability concerns, while technical
services vital for community well-being. In areas like the issues involve scalability and environmental variability.
Ghodaghodi Lake Complex (GLC) in Nepal, rapid Economic hurdles arise due to high initial costs and
population growth exacerbates resource pressures. While limited funding, especially in resource-constrained
wetlands offer critical services, including fisheries and regions. Collaboration across sectors presents
flood control, unsustainable practices jeopardise their opportunities for knowledge exchange and
ecological balance. Management initiatives, albeit top- interdisciplinary research. Policy development can
down, strive for conservation and stakeholder incentivize innovation and streamline approval
engagement. However, challenges persist, necessitating processes. Public-private partnerships and international
community involvement and inclusive strategies. cooperation can leverage resources effectively.
Through methods like focus group discussions and Overcoming these barriers requires concerted efforts to
household surveys, socioeconomic factors affecting foster innovation, investment, and policy reforms,
resource extraction and income generation were enabling environmental biotechnology to address
analysed. Local perceptions underscore the importance pressing issues and promote sustainable development
of sustainable resource management and the need for globally.
diversified livelihoods to alleviate dependency on
wetland resources.[14] 4.. Conclusion:
[6]Ali, M.A., Sharma, A.K. and Dhanaraj, R.K., 2024.
In conclusion, environmental biotechnology offers Heterogeneous features and deep learning networks
versatile and innovative solutions for addressing diverse fusion-based pest detection, prevention and controlling
environmental challenges, including medical and system using IoT and pest sound analytics in a vast
chemical waste management. Through the integration of agriculture system. Computers and Electrical
biotechnological approaches, such as phytoremediation, Engineering, 116, p.109146.
bioremediation, and innovative microbial technologies,
significant progress has been made in mitigating [7]Marsili, D., 2016. A cross-disciplinary approach to
pollution, reducing waste, and promoting sustainability. global environmental health: the case of contaminated
Despite existing challenges, such as regulatory sites. Annali dell'Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 52(4),
complexities and technical limitations, ongoing research pp.516-523.
and collaboration hold promise for further advancements
in environmental biotechnology, paving the way for a [8]Singer, M., Bulled, N., Ostrach, B. and Lerman
greener and healthier future. It is imperative for Ginzburg, S., 2021. Syndemics: A cross-disciplinary
stakeholders to prioritise investment and support for approach to complex epidemic events like COVID-19.
continued development and implementation of these Annual Review of Anthropology, 50, pp.41-58.
biotechnological solutions to achieve lasting
environmental benefits. [9]Van Fan, Y., Lee, C.T., Lim, J.S., Klemeš, J.J. and
Le, P.T.K., 2019. Cross-disciplinary approaches towards
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