Many other companies are also turning to the use of microorganisms, particularly bacteria, in environmental applications such as bioremediation and producing clean fuels. Biological treatment of hazardous wastes--using bacteria to break down these wastes into compounds with reduced toxicity--is appealing because it is a lower-cost alternative to technologies like incineration or extraction of the hazardous material from contaminated soil or water. The fact that EPA is now favorably viewing bioremediation as an alternative to more conventional technologies has encour- aged companies to support research in this area.
Bioremediation will be a widely discussed topic at the American Society of Microbiology's general meeting, to be held at the New Orleans Convention Center May 26-30. About 10,000 microbiologists are expected to attend the meeting, which will feature 2,600 presentations, including 316 seminars, symposia, and roundtables covering environmental, food, and clinical microbiology. Meeting highlights: President's Forum: "Biological Warfare: An Old Problem and Future ...
