Environmental applications of enzymes. (4th August 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nicell, Jim A.
• Is Part Of: Interdisciplinary environmental review. Volume 3:Number 1(2001)
• Page Start: 14
• Page End: 41
• Publication Date: 2014-08-04
• Subjects: enzymes -- waste treatment -- wastewater treatment -- reaction products -- downstream processes -- environmental impact -- solid residues -- waste disposal; Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; Environmental management -- Periodicals; Sustainability -- Periodicals; 333.705
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1521-0227

Abstract

Enzymatic processes fall between the two traditional categories of chemical and biological treatment systems since they involve chemical reactions based on the action of biological catalysts. A variety of enzymes from plants and microorganisms have been reported to play important roles in an array of waste treatment applications. Before the full potential of enzymes may be realized, a number of significant issues remain to be addressed. These include: development of low–cost sources of enzymes in quantities that are required at the industrial scale; demonstration of the feasibility of utilizing the enzymes efficiently under the conditions encountered during wastewater treatment; characterization of reaction products and assessment of their impact on downstream processes or on the environment into which they are released; and identification of methods for the disposal of solid residues, among others.