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Cover Story
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The cover story titled ‘From Environmental Biotech Laboratory to Bioremediation’ is written by Mr .Siddhesh Sapre, who is currently pursuing his Masters’ Degree in Virology at the National Institute of Virology, Pune, India.
Research Updates
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We have covered major research news from a number of areas like Biotechnology, Microbiology and Health Sciences to keep you updated with latest breakthroughs and discoveries around the globe.
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Phages and kill time precision in cell destruction. 28 A newly identified greenhouse bypass for nitrogen reduces harmful emissions 27 Researcher now improve the possible diagnostics of rarer Malaria species 22
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T
oday, as we talk about Basic Research in Biological sciences, fields like Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Life Sciences, Zoology, Botany, Microbiology come all together on one side of the coin, whereas the concept of Green chemistry, sustainable technology and “Replacing environment lies on the
other. However, Environmental Biotechnology combines all of the expertise in Biological sciences. Environmental biotechnology is the application of basic principles and techniques in Biotechnology involving eco-friendly biological processes to the ecological niche for sustainable development of the environment. In particular, it is the application of processes for the protection and restoration of the quality of the environment.
materials and processes with biological technologies can reduce environmental damage. In this way, environmental biotechnology can make a significant contribution to sustainable development”
Environmental biotechnology can be used to detect, prevent and remediate the emission of pollutants into the environment in a number of ways. Solid, liquid and gaseous wastes can be modified, either by recycling to make new products, or by purifying so that the end product is less harmful to the environment. Replacing chemical materials and processes with biological technologies can reduce environmental damage. In this way, environmental biotechnology can make a significant contribution to sustainable development.
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According to Agenda 21(Agenda 21, the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, and the Statement of principles for the Sustainable Management of Forests), the aim of environmental biotechnology is to prevent, arrest and reverse environmental degradation through the appropriate use of biotechnology in combination with other technologies, while supporting safety procedures as a primary component of the chemical programme. According to the International Society for Environmental Biotechnology, Environmental Biotechnology is defined as ‘the development, use and regulation of biological systems for remediation of contaminated environments (land, air, water), and for environment friendly processes (green manufacturing technologies and sustainable development’. It makes use of microorganisms to improve environmental quality.
These improvements include treatment of contaminated waters and wastewaters, cleanup of industrial waste streams, and remediation of soils contaminated with hazardous and toxic chemicals. Environmental biotechnology in itself is a traditional as well as a modern art. Microbiological treatment technologies developed at the beginning of the twentieth century, such as trickling filtration, activated sludge and anaerobic digestions remain the mainstays today. In recent years, new technologies are constantly introduced that address very contemporary problems such as detoxification of hazardous chemicals, environmental biomonitoring, and microbial genetic engineering for bioremediation of air, water, and soil.
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A fully functional environmental biotechnology must be equipped with the following
Autoclave -80°C Freezer -20°C Freezer 4°C Refrigerator Orbital shakers Incubator/refrigerator/shaker Refrigerated microcentrifuge Microcentrifuge Walk-in hood Laminar flow hood Ovens Keithley 2700/7700 data acquisitions system Coy “Type A” anaerobic glove chamber Leica CM-1100 Cryostat New Brunswick BioFlow II chemostat
Water bath Sonicator pH meter DO meter Spectrophotometer Nanopure Diamond LS TOC deionized water system EppendorfMastercycler EP(S) thermal cycler (for PCR) EppendorfMastercycler EP(S) Realplex 2 (RT-PCR) Hybridization oven/crosslinker Agarose gel electrophoresis units BioRad DGGE apparatus
Kodak gel documentation system Nikon Eclipse 90i epifluorescence microscope Boom-mounted stereomicroscope Dionex ICS 2500 ion chromatograph Agilent gas chromatograph with FID and TCD detectors Unisensemicrosensor setup with micromanipulator, picoammeter, voltmeter, and data acquisition software Gamry PCI4/300 potentiostat/galvanostat/ZRA with Electrochemistry Framework software
It makes use of the following
Fundamental aspects of environmental biotechnology Microbial metabolism, growth and biokinetics Microbial genetics Microbiology reactions Biofilm process
Specific Objectives are 1. To adopt production processes that make optimal use of natural resources, by recycling biomass, recovering energy and minimizing waste generation. 2. To promote the use of biotechnological techniques with emphasis on bioremediation of land and water, waste treatment, soil conservation, reforestation, afforestation and land rehabilitation. 3. To apply biotechnological processes and their products to protect environmental integrity with a view to long-term ecological security. Like with any lab, a scientist working within an Environmental Biotechnology lab does everything in their power to regulate the variables to produce reliable results.
Microbioz India, January 2017
Bioremediation for soil environment Bioremediation for air environment Bioremediation for water environment Biotreatment of metals Developing and working on basic science in environmental biotechnology in order to overcome limitations
Within an Environmental Biotechnology lab, it is common to be working with plants, either man-grown or "wild," depending on what the research is for. Environmental Biotechnologists often work dealing with the genetics of the plants, always looking for more efficient and greener solutions to satisfy the world's increasing need for food, as well as to reduce the overall environmental impact. A biotechnology technician is generally the person assisting in labs with research surrounding both Environmental and Industrial Biotechnology. Narrowing in on Environmental Biotechnology, a biotechnology technician could aid in the research of agriculture or environment. In agriculture, they would be searching for ways to produce food more efficiently and productively. This may include testing to create a disease or insect resistant crop, which would stand up better in situations where "regular" crops would not. In environment, biotechnology technicians may spend their time looking at different forms of pollution and how humans are impacting the environment as a whole. They may do field work and lab work, searching for a cleaner and more environmentally friendly way to live.
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Advantages A solution to the world's growing need for food: It is estimated that by 2050, the world will need at least 70% more food. By using Environmental Biotechnology, the productivity of crops has already increased, meeting the nutrition needs of our growing population. An example of this technology could be drought resistant crops. Environmental Biotechnology aims to provide a more sustainable method of farming and agriculture.
A solution to the environmental impact of agriculture Agriculture has a generally negative impact on the environment, through greenhouse gases and the land that it takes up. Environmental Biotechnology is not only looking for a more sustainable way to feed our population, but also a cleaner way to grow and cultivate this food, decreasing the environmental impact.
Benefits to the environment Conservation tillage, a technology introduced through Environmental Biotechnology that allows farmers to plant seeds without having to till the soil (therefore not disturbing the organisms within the soil), resulted in 21.1 billion kg less of CO2 being released into the air in 2011. This is equivalent to 9.4 million less cars on the road.
Disadvantages and Ethical Issues The involvement of humans Whether we like it or not, humans will be involved in research surrounding Environmental Biotechnology. The level to which this could be an ethical concern depends on if consent was given and if there is potential harm caused from the research.
Animal Experimentation There is no doubt that animal, just as humans do, experience pain and suffering. As a general rule, the harm done to the individuals of the experiment should be logically justified by the benefits that the results bring to society in general. Going further, when dealing with Environmental Biotechnology, tests run on animals to benefit the same species in the wild might be more justifiable ethically than tests run to benefit humans.
Risks to Environment and Biodiversity Like any experiment, there will most likely be risks to the test subjects; which is, in this case, our environment. When considering ethics, the risks of the experiment must be taken into consideration, weighed against the benefits. An example of an environmental risk
is the possible introduction of invasive species to the territory in question. Is it worth the pain to put our environment at risk?
“However, some organisms (either natural or engineered microorganisms), under certain conditions, are able to utilise the hydrophobic surrounding for their own metabolism.” Exploitation Environmental Biotechnology is often put into question because it may be considered an exploitation of Aboriginal people and knowledge (specifically the Aboriginal people who claim the territory in question as their own). One of the recently explored areas in application of Environmental biotechnology is Bioremediation.
Bioremediation Bioremediation is a process wherein organisms owing to their biochemical properties are employed for the neutralisation or removal of contamination from the waste According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Bioremediation is a “treatment that uses naturally occurring organisms to break down hazardous substances into less toxic or non-toxic substances.” This simply means that the organisms which serve the purpose of waste remediation do not produce toxic compounds themselves, or, even if they do, they might cause a harm only under certain circumstances. Organic material filled sites always harbour bacteria, protists, fungi, and other microorganisms, which break down the organic matter to decompose the waste. In case of an oil spillage in such area, for example, some organisms would instantly die. However, some organisms (either natural or engineered microorganisms), under certain conditions, are able to utilise the hydrophobic surrounding for their own metabolism and in the process, they degrade the oil, thus providing a solution to many cases of oil spillages that occur round the year and claim lives of marine flora and fauna. Ultimately, in the absence of oil, the engineered microorganisms either die or survive in a way that no more harms the surroundings. An example of such an organism is Chakraborty strain.
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Importance of Bioremediation
Treatment and removal of man-made chemical contamination is a major issue. And eventually, it lands up into the water bodies. Specific chemical compounds are very hard to eliminate and treat once they reach the water bodies upon which the entire ecosystem around depends
This problem can be solved using biodegradable starting compounds. Recent example of such a product is the replacement of plastic bags with the bags made up of tapioca, and thus biodegradable. In situ: when the contaminated waste is treated right at its point of origin. The advantage of in situ treatment of waste is that it prevents the spread of contamination during the transport and moving of the contaminated material around
Recycling of waste
Ex situ: when the contaminated waste is moved to an area
No use of chemicals
Post-treatment of waste with the help of biological systems, it can be recycled. Man-made compounds that are a part of waste usually have a long half-life or they aren’t degradable at all.
specialized for its treatment which is usually away from the site of origin. It helps to contain and control the bioremediation products, as well as making the area that was contaminated available for use
Bioremediation- a potential approach for clean and green environment
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Cover Story
Types of Bioremediation There are majorly 9 types of bioremediation Phytoremediation – use of plants to remove contaminants. The plants are able to draw the contaminants into their structures and hold on to them, effectively removing them from soil or water.
Bioventing – blowing air through soil to increase oxygen rates in the waste. This is an effective way to neutralize certain oxygen sensitive metals or chemicals.
Bioleaching – removing metals from soil using living organisms. Certain types of organisms are draw to heavy metals and other contaminants and absorb them. One new approach was discovered when fish bones were found to attract and hold heavy metals such as lead and cadmium.
“At present, successful bioremediation processes for nitrate and chromium (VI) contaminated wastes have been developed. Also, research is underway for the development of low cost Microbial Carbon Capture cells for power generation and algae cultivation.” Landfarming – turning contaminated soil for aeration and sifting to remove contaminants, or deliberately depleting a soil of nitrogen to remove nitrogen based organisms. Bioreactor – the use of specially designed containers to hold the waste while bioremediation occurs
In the case of contaminated waste, it is the plant that keeps growing to allow for more storage of waste. This is a uniquely cost effective solution for contaminated waste.
Microbial Population Suitable kinds of organisms that can biodegrade all of the contaminants.
Oxygen Enough to support aerobic biodegradation (about 2% oxygen in the gas phase or 0.4 mg/liter in the soil water)
Water Soil moisture should be from 50–70% of the water holding capacity of the soil Nutrients- Nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, and other nutrients to support good microbial growth.
Temperature-Appropriate temperatures for microbial growth (0– 40˚C) pH-Best range is from 6.5 to 7.5 There are some types of contamination in which, employing bioremediation is difficult. The two biggest concerns are: a) Cadmium b) Lead Both of these are classified as heavy metals and are difficult to remove using microorganisms. As mentioned earlier, a recent discovery about the absorption rate of fish bone has proven successful. In fact, bone seems to hold the clue for removing heavy metal contamination. Char is used to remove small amounts of zinc, lead and cadmium; and it is thought that the calcium in the fish bone is what makes it effective.
Bioremediation for nuclear waste While you can’t apply any microorganism to nuclear waste with any great success, two bioremediation techniques are used to handle nuclear waste.
Composting – containing waste so a natural decay and remediation process occurs.
Bioreactor – Nuclear waste is already contained within vessels that
Bioaugmentation – adding microbes and organisms to
prevent the contamination from spreading. It is an example of bioremediation due to the effect it has on the nuclear container.
strengthen the same in waste to allow them to take over and decontaminate the area
Composting – When you think about it, nuclear waste goes through
Rhizofiltration – the use of plants to remove metals in water. Bio stimulation – the use of microbes designed to remove contamination applied in a medium to the waste.
the exact same process as material you place in a composting pile. The waste has everything it needs to break itself down, it just takes much longer. Once it is secured in the bioreactor vessel, the naturally occurring process of bioremediation takes over.
Environmental Biotechnology in India
Factors responsible for an effective Microbial bioremediation
ENVIS Centre on Environmental Biotechnology
In the case of the plants used in phytoremediation and rhizofiltration, the plant is able to do something called bioaccumulation. This means to hold onto the contaminant. As the plant is still growing, there is no need to remove and destroy it. In many ways, it is similar to having a rechargeable battery.
ENVIS Centre on Environmental Biotechnology at the Department of Environmental Science, University of Kalyani, Nadia741235, West Bengal was established in June, 2002.
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Cover Story This is supported by Ministry of Environment and Forest, Government of India, New Delhi. ENVIS was established in the year 1984 as a network of Information Centre. This center gives primary emphasis on the management of natural resources and abatement of pollution as well as hazardous waste management and also give emphasis of data bank development about 'Pollutant Biodegradation' and its allied aspects.
The major areas of understanding of this centre are a)
Environmental pollution abatement through biodegradation, biotransformation, bioaccumulation of toxins like organics, metals, oil & hydrocarbons, dyes etc. b) Energy management through production of nonconventional non-polluting energy like biodiesel, methanol, biogas, biohydrogen etc.
Written by: Siddhesh Sapre, National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, India, Email ID: virimmune210393@gmail.com
c)
Agricultural application of Biofertilizer, bio pesticides, or bio organics of multiple uses, d) Recovery of resources from toxic or nontoxic wastes through biotechnological applications, e) Biosensor approach of pollution monitoring and several other allied issues. f) For more information, please visit: envis.nic.in One of the best Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory has been established at IIT Jodhpur. The Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory at IIT Jodhpur, in addition to serving various undergraduate and post-graduate courses, undertakes research in the areas of BioEnergy and bioremediation. Researchers in the lab investigate on waste to energy conversion processes with an aim to develop sustainable biotechnological solutions to water pollution and energy. At present, successful bioremediation processes for nitrate and chromium (VI) contaminated wastes have been developed. Also, research is underway for the development of low cost Microbial Carbon Capture cells for power generation and algae cultivation. In addition to this, researchers in the lab have been successful in isolating novel yeasts, the potential biodiesel producing candidates.
References
ENVIS Centre website: deskuenvis.nic.in/introduction.asp http://www.biologydiscussion.com/biotechnology/environmental-biotechnology/environmental-biotechnology-meaning-applications-and-otherdetails/8528 http://theworldbehindenvirobiotech.weebly.com/advantages-and-disadvantages.html http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/what-is-bioremediation.php http://www.pollutionissues.com/A-Bo/Bioremediation.html http://ei.cornell.edu/biodeg/bioremed/ scienceblogs.com/oscillator/2010/06/08/oil-eating-bacteria/ Environmental Biotechnology- A Biosystems approach by Daniel .Vallero (Second edition)
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Research Updates
ercury is one of the top 10 chemicals of major public health concern, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says, Mercury is the main cause of fish consumption advisories aimed at protecting human health, the study notes. Due to industrialization, mercury that rises up in ecosystem is estimated to have increased by 200 to 500 percent, the study says. Mercury accumulates in fish and shellfish as methylmercury which affects the nervous, digestive and immune systems, as well as the lungs, kidneys, skin and eyes. According to a pioneering study by scientists of Rutgers University, a highly toxic form of mercury could jump by 300 to 600 percent in zooplankton-tiny creatures found at the base of the marine food chain -if land runoff increases by 15 to 30 percent. One possible reason for such an increase is climate change, study says.
"With climate change, we expect increased precipitation in many areas in the Northern Hemisphere, leading to more runoff," said Jeffra K. Schaefer, study coauthor and assistant research professor in Rutgers' Department of Environmental Sciences.
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Research Updates
esearcher from Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, now improve the diagnostics and surveillance of rarer Malaria species as per the study published recently in Nature.
Malaria is a life-threatening disease. It’s typically transmitted through the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito. Infected mosquitoes carry the Plasmodium parasite. When this mosquito bites you, the parasite is released into your bloodstream. Once the parasites are inside your body, they travel to the liver, where they mature. After several days, the mature parasites enter the bloodstream and begin to infect red blood cells. Within 48 to 72 hours, the parasites inside the red blood cells multiply, causing the infected cells to burst open. However, very little was known about Plasmodium malariae and Plasmodium ovale, which are believed to cause up to five per cent of malaria worldwide, corresponding to approximately 10 million cases annually. These species can remain hidden in the host for years. The research study is based on determining the genome sequences of these Plasmodium parasite species. By comparing these new genomes with those of the malaria parasites already sequenced, the researchers were able to identify genes that could be involved in human infection and in adapting to the human host. They found that up to 40 per cent of the P. malariae and P. ovale genomes contain genes that are probably involved in evading an immune response.
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esearcher from Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) recently introduced new treatment system for bone repair using stem cells from human bone marrow and a carbon material with photocatalytic properties. This research has been jointly conducted by Professor Youngkyo Seo of Life Sciences and Dr. Jitendra N. Tiwari of Chemistry in collaboration with Professor Kwang S. Kim of Natural Science, Professor Pann-Ghill Suh of Life Sciences, and seven other researchers from UNIST. In the research study, the team of researchers, reported that red-light absorbing carbon nitride (C₃N₄) sheets lead to remarkable proliferation and osteogenic differentiation by runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) activation, a key transcription factor associated with osteoblast differentiation. The study recently appeared in January issue of ACS Nano journal. The research team expects that this research breakthrough could lead to enhancement of bone regeneration. "This research has opened up the possibility of developing a new medicine that effectively treats skeletal injuries, such as fractures and osteoporosis," said Professor Young-Kyo Seo. "It will be a very useful tool for making artificial joints and teeth with the use of 3D printing."
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