Guía de Biotecnología Ambiental

The chapter starts with a historical overview of the developments in environmental biotechnology and discusses several essential concepts. Several applications are mentioned, such as: biomarkers, biosensors, biofuels, bioremediation, biotransformation. In addition, the main biotechnological tools applied to environmental pollution monitoring and bioremediation processes are described, of which technical considerations, remediation and mitigation strategies are taken into account. One of the bioremediation tools is highlighted as phytoremediation, which includes: phytoextraction, rhizofiltration, phytostabilization, rhizodegradation, phytodegradation and phytovolitization. The most outstanding research and projects in the Latin American context are also presented. In addition, some biotechnological tools are presented to promote sustainable agriculture with the use of microorganisms as biological control, and the use of biofertilizers. Finally, applications for the mitigation of the environmental impact generated by oil activity are presented, such as CO2 injection techniques in subsurface reservoirs. Also mentioned are applications in the production of new sources of sustainable energy and biotechnological trends in the development of alternative biomaterials to leather and plastic, detailing the processing of mycelia for the textile industry. In conclusion, this guide serves as a support for students who are interested in learning about Environmental Biotechnology or who are taking this subject.