Abstract
Biodegradation is often studied with bioremediation in mind. Some US military advisors also see applications for the microbial degradation of hydrocarbons in the development of non-lethal biological weapons. As reported in New Scientist (http://www.newscientist.com), the Joint Non-Lethal Weapons Directorate of the US Marine Corps wants to renegotiate the treaties on chemical and biological warfare. This would allow them to create new non-lethal weapons that could be used in difficult peacekeeping missions. By exploiting the metabolic peculiarities of certain bacteria, the US marines hope to develop bio-weapons that could, for example, degrade oil, plastic engine fittings or rubber tyres. Environmental microbiologists might wonder about the effectiveness of such weapons, given that the biodegradation of plastics and other hydrocarbons tends to be tediously slow. AV
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
