Editorial

The United Nations conference on the Environment and Development held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 (Agenda 21) clearly explains the need for pollution free and healthy environment to safe guard our natural resources, thereby avoiding irrecoverable environment damage. In this context, developing countries engaged in developing new technologies for increasing production, efficiency with less environmental damages. Thus the introduction of cleaner technique is not only socially relevant but also been shown to the introduction of cleaner technologies are not only socially relevant but has also been shown to lead to increased productivity, competitiveness and profitability. Introduction of bioremediation practices and production audits, however, are only partial measures. Design development, production and introduction of cleaner technological alternatives may very well require application of most up-to-date scientific and technical knowledge. In addition, environmental biotechnology has tremendous potential for use in developing countries seeking low-cost solutions to environmental problems, such as municipal waste disposal, conversion of agricultural waste to energy sources, and clean-up of polluted environment. Thus biotechnology can offer a natural way of addressing environmental problems ranging from biohazardous to bioremediation techniques an emerging area offers an attractive alternative and/or supplement to more conventional clean-up technologies to increase our natural resources without cause any environmental degradation. This was also emphasized during our ENVIS advisory committee meeting held on 10th June 2004 that efforts and technological developments need to use of ecofriendly remedies for making a clean and pollution free environment. It is our utmost attempt by way of publishing newsletters, we would like to create awareness with cost effective means to eliminate many hazardous chemicals from environment. In this issue, we have included articles on "Microbial System for Environment Management" and "Biosensors: - Promising Assessment Technology". In addition, the regular features such as inhouse news, forthcoming conferences/seminars/meetings and research abstract on the role of microorganisms in biosorption of toxic metals and radionuclides. Suggestions/comments are always welcome to improve our service/activities.

Let us join and build a clean and healthy environment.

Prof. N. Munuswamy