INTRODUCTIONBiotechnological proces

INTRODUCTION
Biotechnological processes to protect the
environment have been used for almost a
century now, even longer than the term
‘biotechnology’ exists. Municipal sewage
treatment plants and filters to purify town gas
were developed around the turn of the century.
They proved very effective although at the
time, little was known about the biological
principles underlying their function. Since that
time our knowledge base has increased
enormously. This briefing paper describes the
state-of-the-art and possibilities of
environmental biotechnology. It also deals
with the societal aspects of environmental
biotechnology.
Biotechnological techniques to treat waste
before or after it has been brought into the
environment are described and exemplified in
the section on bioremediation. Biotechnology
can also be used to develop products and
processes that generate less waste and use less
non-renewable resources and energy. In this
respect biotechnology is well positioned to
contribute to the development of a more
sustainable society, a principle which was