Lupine Publishers | Current Trends on Biotechnology & Microbiology
Introduction
Generally speaking, organic residues are mainly composed by
carbohydrates, proteins and lipids residues. These kinds of residues should be
managed properly to prevent the deterioration of the environment. Indeed, they
can alter the quality of surface and underground water. For instance, the
degradation of organic constituents, such as glucose, requires oxygen (Scheme
1) and consequently the oxygen content decreases. Such low oxygen content conditions
harm the development of fish and other aquatic organisms [1].
As we know, water is a notable natural resource because it
provides many social, economic and services to human beings and the
environment. From this perspective, water remains a vital resource to be
preserved because the accumulation of organic residues in the environment
alters the quality of the water. Indeed, during periods of rain, organic waste
can reach rivers, aquifers, lakes and oceans. The result is a degradation of water
quality. Such degradation occurs, when the pollutants reach directly or
indirectly the streams without appropriate treatment to remove unwanted organic
substances. These can affect plants and other living organisms in water. From
this point of view, it is important to recall the notable role of aquatic
plants. These are home to fish, amphibians as well as invertebrates and allow
them to feed themselves. Aquatic organisms without the presence of aquatic
plants would sometimes find it very difficult to survive and flourish [1].
In this perspective, the foliage of aquatic plants protects
the water against the sun’s rays, and this helps to maintain a stable and
temperate temperature which allows flora and fauna to grow [1]. Similarly,
rooted aquatic plants also allow the stabilization of sediment in water. They
participate in the filtration of water, the absorption of contaminants as well
as the excess chemical nutrients [1]. In other words, when the equilibrium is
broken and the concentrations of the nitrate ions and phosphorus are too high
in the aquatic environment, the excess of nitrate ions (NO3-) and phosphorus
(P) contributes to the proliferation of algae [1]. From this point of view,
aquatic plants absorb nitrate ions and use phosphorus to grow and that limits
the proliferation of algae. These cyanobacteria produce toxins, which are
harmful to humans and for animals [1]. The proliferation of algae gives the
water a less attractive green hue, a viscous appearance and a bad odor. When
the algae die, they deposit at the bottom of the lake and degrade [1]. Indeed,
the degradation of the organic constituents of algae consumes oxygen (Scheme
1).
Biotechnology
When organic residues are not processed efficiently, they
are broken down by microorganisms and this favors the multiplication of
insects, which can prove to be true vectors of disease. Odors from organic
decomposition sites also affect quality of life. To solve the problem of
organic residues, biotechnology is an ecological means to handle properly
organic residues in sense that these kinds of residues are enzymatically
transformed to produce methane as well as organic and mineral fertilizers under
the action of microorganisms. Regarding organic residues, biotechnology helps
to promote agriculture because nutrient rich secondary products are used as
fertilizers. The valorization of organic residues by means of biotechnology
contributes enormously to the improvement of hygiene, reduces bad odors and the
use of nonnatural fertilizers and pesticides. Biotechnology also minimizes
incineration, and dumping of organic residues in landfills, and this reduces
emissions of greenhouse gases. Indeed, the incineration of organic residues
essentially produces greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen
dioxide [2,3]. Energy from biogas is very important especially in regions
lacking energy infrastructure because it reduces the use of fossil fuels,
limits deforestation and improves people’s livelihoods who prepare food with
firewood [2,3]. Such ecological transformation is a good strategy to clean up
the environment and improve agriculture, particularly in underdeveloped
countries, such as Democratic Republic of Congo.
Educational Awareness
Educational awareness is essential regarding sustainable
development and protection of the environment. For example, population can be
sensitized in order not to incinerate or dispose of residual organic residues
into the rivers, streets or mixing them with toxic residuals but rather to keep
them into containers, which are intended for the collection of organic
residues. Awareness through education is fundamental in terms of reducing
environmental pollution due to human activities.
Conclusion
In terms of health, living in an environment free from
waste, particularly organic residues, this contributes enormously to public
health and the development of society. Domestic, agricultural and industrial
environments produce organic waste, which need to be collected, stored and
recycled in order to avoid environmental pollution.
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