Optimization and Applicability of Bioprocesses

In the scenario of increasing population and concomitant pressure on the depleting fossil fuel resources, the focus of current research is on the development of innovative options for achieving sustainability and eco-efficiency in industrial and environmental bioprocesses. Further, there is a need for managing the everincreasing waste generated as a result of human and industrial activities in an efficient manner. Of the currently available tools, environmental processes based on biomass utilization hold the highest potential owing to the abundance and renewable nature of such biomass. For achieving the highest efficiencies, these processes need to be optimized. In the current chapter, the underlying functioning of the various bioprocesses active in the environment has been discussed with particular reference to their optimization in bioremediation of solid and liquid waste. The chapter further discusses the tools for achieving higher efficiencies in such bioprocesses in addition to the value addition through energy generation in order to achieve the twin objectives of profitability and sustainability.