Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
low-wastegenerating catalysis. Underlying each of these, moreover, is the importance of
developing sustainable agriculture
C.
T
ERMS AND
D
EFINITIONS
The field of bioengineering for pollution prevention as outlined is immense. A
tremendous number of talented and energetic people are working to bring the elements
outlined in the preceding paragraphs into reality. To create a coherent, focused, and thorough
document, the authors have limited the discussion to the areas of energy and materials, and
provide here a set of terms that further define, limit, and clarify the topics involved.
1. Bioengineering
In its broadest sense, this term is applied to the manipulation, influence, or purposeful
design of any entity, material, or process involving biological components. For the purpose of
this document, however, a more restricted definition is adopted, in which the engineering
itself must involve the manipulation and/or exploitation of biological components themselves
to accomplish the desired task.
2. Pollution Prevention
In the context of this document, “pollution prevention” is restricted to the description of
processes that deliberately avoid the generation of environmentally deleterious substances.
Processes that reclaim, recycle, or degrade such substances, once generated, are excluded.
3. Materials
This term is broadly used to represent any form of matter.
4. Biopolymers, Bioplastics
These terms are used specifically to represent high-molecular-weight structural materials
that can be shaped or otherwise manufactured into useful articles for human use.
5. Energy and Fuels
“Energy” in this document emphasizes biological, biologically-produced, or biologically-
modified materials or processes capable of generating heat or power. Thus, all significant
