Sewage treatment plants harness these microbial recyclers to clean up waste water before it returns to streams, lakes and groundwater. Microbes can also be used to reduce the production of toxins and to offer alternatives to industrial chemicals. Biopulping is an experimental way of using a fungus to pretreat wood chips before making paper pulp. Biopulping reduces both energy use and water-polluting byproducts. Biotechnology allows the use of renewable resources such as biomass as a feedstock in the production of solvents, plastics and fuels - preferable to dependency on nonrenewable fossil fuels.
Some sewage plants collect methane to fuel generators, digesters and air compressors.
This technology is usually the least controversial, in part because consumers believe the direct benefits outweigh the risks of using biotechnology. For example, strep throat can now be diagnosed in 20 minutes rather than in two days. Donated blood and organs can be screened for a number of viral infections. The gene responsible for cystic fibrosis can be detected before the disease develops. In general, a more rapid and reliable diagnosis assists a physician in prescribing a treatment.