Chapter 1 could, for example, cite the use of micro-organisms in the mining of a range of metals from low grade ores, by processes generally referred to asacid mining In the example above we have illustrated how biotechnology may, in integrated life management terms, offer environmentally better routes of manufacture. It may also lead to environmentally more acceptable products. As an example consider the pesticides production and use of pesticides. The majority of pesticides are made by synthetic organic chemisry leading to molecules that are distinctly non-biological. Often they contain functional groups(for example halogens) and are made by reaction mechanisms(for example using free radicles)that are, in general, incompatable with biodegradation. These products, although used in low concentration, tend to accumulate in the environment especially within biological systems. Of particular importance is the accumulation of these materials in relatively high concentrations in He ganisms at the end of food chains. Thus an insecticide may be present only in low els in particular insects but when these are eaten by birds, the biological part of the insect is metabolised, while the recalcitrant insecticide remains Thus the concentration of the insecticide becomes greater in the birds than in its food. This process, called biomagnification, may result in the concentrations of the insectide in the birds reaching toxic levels. Furthermore, chemically produced pesticides generally have wide ranging activities, killing both beneficial as well as pest insect toxins encoded by Baculo virus. These types of pesticides are readily biogradable and are target specific. We will not enlarge on the environment potential of biotechnology any further at this stage. We will, however, raise some environmental issues in later section of this text. If you would like to learn more, we recommend the BiOTOL text"Biotechnological Innovations in Environmental and Energy Management The development of new products based on cleaner production processes and alternative raw resources is not only a question of technological development. The the market products have to compete in the market place and have to be acceptable to potential place customers. Also the introduction of new processes and products depends upon gaining both the confidence and the financial resources of potential investors. Regulations may also greatly influence (both positively and negatively) the adoption of these new s Restrictive regulations may deter investors and may, by raising the spectra of potential hazards, alienate the general public and reduce the accetability of the products. We site for example the EC Directives and National Legislation concerning he safe handling of genetically manipulated organisms. To many workers this is seen as inhibitory to the development and exploitation of genetically modified organisms legislation Such legislation is seen as a constraint on the development of new processes and products. To others, this legilation is a positive bonus to biotechnology because it reduces the prospect of there being a major bio-catastrophy from these activities and it reassures the public that the work is undertaken in a safe manner and leads to"safe products, thereby making them more acceptable to the public. This in turn encourages investment and development. However the reverse effect may also be true To some, if biotechnology is"safe"it would not need to be regulated in this way. In effect, for some individuals the introduction of legislation indicates that biotechnology is inherently unsafe", as a result this legislation may in some circumstances, make biotechnology and its products less publically acceptable6 Chapter 1 pesticides biomagnification biodegradable pesticides campetition in the market Place legislation could, for example, cite the use of micrmrganisms in the mining of a range of metals from low grade ores, by processes generally referred to as "acid mining". In the example above we have illustrated how biotechnology may, in integrated life management terms, offer environmentally better routes of manufacture. It may also lead to environmentally more acceptable products. As an example consider the production and use of pesticides. The majority of pesticides are made by synthetic organic chemisry leading to molecules that are distinctly non-biological. Often they contain functional groups (for example halogens) and are made by reaction mechanisms (for example using free radicles) that are, in general, incompatable with biodegradation. These products, although used in low concentration, tend to accumulate in the environment especially within biological systems. Of particular importance is the accumulation of these materials in relatively high concentrations in organisms at the end of food chains. Thus an insecticide may be present only in low levels in particular insects but when these are eaten by birds, the biological part of the insect is metabolised, while the recalcitrant insecticide remains. Thus the concentration of the insecticide becomes greater in the birds than in its food. This process, called biomagnification, may result in the concentrations of the insectide in the birds reaching toxic levels. Furthermore, chemically produced pesticides generally have wide ranging activities, killing both beneficial as well as pest species. The advent of contemporary biotechnology has enabled development of new strategies to achieve the same objectives: protecting crops using biologically-produced, biodegradable pesticides. A typical example is the production and use of proteinaceous insect toxins encoded by Bad0 virus. These types of pesticides are readily biogradable and are target specific. We will not enlarge on the environment potential of biotechnology any further at this stage. We will, however, raise some environmental issues in later section of this text If you would like to learn more, we recommend the BIOTOL text "Biotechnological Innovations in Environmental and Energy Management". The development of new products based on cleaner production processes and alternative raw resources is not only a question of technological development. The products have to compete in the market place and have to be acceptable to potential customers. Also the introduction of new processes and products depends upon gaining both the confidence and the financial resources of potential investors. Regulations may also greatly influence (both positively and negatively) the adoption of these new processes. Restrictive regulations may deter investors and may, by raising the spectra of potential hazards, alienate the general public and reduce the accetability of the products. We site for example the EC Directives and National Legislation concerning the safe handling of netically mani ulated organisms. To many workers this is seen Such legislation is seen as a constraint on the development of new processes and products. To others, this leglation is a positive bonus to biotechnology because it reduces the prospect of there being a major biocatastrophy from these activities and it reassures the public that the work is undertaken in a safe manner and leads to "safe" products, thereby making them more acceptable to the public. This in turn encourages investment and development. However the reverse effect may also be true. To some, if biotechnology is "safe" it would not need to be regulated in this way. In effect, for some individuals the intmduction of legislation indicates that biotechnology is inherently "unsafe", as a result this legislation may in some circumstances, make biotechnology and its products less publically acceptable. as inhibitoxy to the r evelopment an B exploitation of genetically modified organisms