Environmental Problems Encountered with Bioprotein Production

Increasing world population growth has lead to under-nourishment, enormously increasing the demand for nutritious food. Bio-protein is a type of amino acid extracted from cultivated microbial biomass used for supplementing protein in both human and animals. Production of bio-protein requires different substrates such as carbon, sulfur, agricultural wastes and sources rich in energy. These elements are dangerous when they escape to the environment, and they have adverse effects on the environment.
  1. Pollution of Water Bodies

    • A large quantity of gaseous carbon dioxide escapes during the production of bio proteins. The carbon dissolves in water leading to algae blooming. Algae blooming is caused by depositing of the untreated water from the producers of bio-protein into rivers and seas. Algae blooming reduces oxygen levels in the water. Reduced oxygen volume results in suffocation and eventually death of aquatic creatures.

    Greenhouse Effect

    • The carbon escapes from the bio protein production, depleting the ozone layer. Ultra-violet rays from the sun penetrate the protective layer entering the earth's surface. Heat energy carried by the rays is released once the rays hit the ground. The earth's temperature is increased. Also, the ultra-violet rays cause skin cancer.

    Respiratory Disorder

    • Air escapes from the bioprotein industries entering homes and workplaces. Carbon monoxide composed in this air is inhaled by animals and humans causing respiratory disorders such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or bronchitis. The individuals working in bioprotein production plants stand a chance of suffering from occupational diseases like asbestosis.

    Acid Rain

    • During the mixing of the bioprotein elements, sulfuric gases escape from the plant and mix with nitrogen in the air. The resultant component formed is nitric acid: when rain falls, it mixes with this gas forming acidic rain. The acidic rain erodes buildings and reacts with the skin, causing skin disorders, skin cancer or even death if it is severe. The acid rain decreases the growth of pants and soils. The acidic rain is absorbed into the soil, making it acidic.

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