Environmental Biotechnology: Public Perception

Biotechnology is an interdisciplinary field that harnesses biological resources for human development and needs. Environmental biotechnology provides solutions to the problems related to excessive exploitation of resources and the consequent pollution. The two major methods are microbial bioremediation and phytoremediation (Kensa 2011). The Indian scientific establishment, including government-funded institutes and private companies, has provided a large number of processes and products related to environmental biotechnology. The dissemination of this information is limited, and hence, the perception of the common people is contradictory. A systematic survey is needed to obtain detailed information on the acceptability of environmental biotechnology processes and products. The perception can be improved by proper measures, including dissemination of information, participation, funding and impetus from government and non-government agencies.