Our research on sustainable biotechnology involves developing new methods to enhance activities in two key areas a) the biological cleanup of contaminated soil and sediment, and b) the use of microbial pest control agents to replace problematic chemical pesticides. For both cases, success would be of substantial benefit to agriculture and industry. Thus, we strive to develop sustainable technologies that will continue to expand our options for enhancement and to develop accurate and cost effective methods for assessing effectiveness and environmental impact.

Bioremediation is potentially an effective and sustainable technology for the treatment of soil, sediments, and ground water that are contaminated with chemicals. We endeavour to increase the applicability of bioremediation by employing new knowledge on degradation processes, and on the potential and limitations of this technology. Research topics include (1) contaminant accessibility for degrading microorganisms, (2) degradation pathways, (3) detection of degradation products, (4) extrapolation from laboratory scale experimentation to the field scale and (5) the effect of plant roots on the degradation processes. A new concept in our research is the use of bioremediation not only as a cleanup technology, but also as an effective means of reducing risk. The combination of contaminant degradation and strong binding of contaminants to the soil matrix results in reduced mobility and exposure. We work mainly with PAHs and NSO-substituted PAHs (the PACs), but also have experience in the treatment of MTBE and mineral oil pollution. For further information, please contact Ulrich B. Gosewinkel, uka@dmu.dk.

The safe use of microbial pest control agents, specifically strains of Bacillus thuringiensis, is currently a subject of debate because of the close taxonomic relationship to B. cereus which may cause gastro-intestinal and somatic infections in humans. These infections are caused by the production of a number of known enterotoxins, haemolysins and other virulence factors by B. cereus strains. Most B. thuringiensis strains also possess a number of these factors. Thus, although few examples of B. thuringiensis pathogenesis have been described, they are potentially pathogenic and this may constrain the environmental use of this pest control agent. Therefore, to reduce the health risks of farmers and consumers, we are developing strains that have lower toxigenic potential. We are also involved in the identification of strains with activities against new target insects. For further information, please contact Niels B. Hendriksen, nbh@dmu.dk

Bacillis thuringiensis cells seen under the microscope.

Short abstracts of all ongoing projects can be seen here.