Biotechnology to reduce logistics burden and promote environmental stewardship for air force civil engineering requirements

Biotechnol Adv. 2023 Oct 3:108269. doi: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108269. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTThis review provides discussion of advances in biotechnology with specific application to civil engineering requirements for airfield and airbase operations. The broad objectives are soil stabilization, waste management, and environmental protection. The biotechnology focal areas address (1) treatment of soil and sand by biomineralization and biopolymer addition, (2) reduction of solid organic waste by anaerobic digestion, (3) application of microbes and higher plants for biological processing of contaminated wastewater, and (4) use of indigenous materials for airbase construction and repair. The consideration of these methods in military operating scenarios, including austere environments, involves comparison with conventional techniques. All four focal areas potentially improve logistics burden, environmental sustainability, and may provide energy production or energy-neutral practices that benefit military operations.PMID:37797730 | DOI:10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108269

Source: Biotechnology Advances - October 5, 2023 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Rachel Krebs Karen E Farrington Glenn R Johnson Heather R Luckarift Robert A Diltz Jeffery R Owens Source Type: research