Air and water pollution from industrial waste is a major global challenge, and is largely driven by societal needs and wants. Biochemists know that plants function as small chemical factories, yet produce no toxic waste. These tiny factories in plants are everywhere, synthesizing carbohydrates from photosynthesis, utilizing cellular respiration for energy production, and producing food for animals all at the same time. How can this knowledge, along with modern technology, best be applied to reduce industrial pollution? A Hazardous industrial wastes can be treated with fertilizer and spread on croplands. O B В Plants can be genetically modified to synthesize compounds that currently are made in chemical factories that produce hazardous wastes. C С Plants can be genetically modified to transform heavy metals, such as lead and mercury, into less toxic elements. D. DNA fingerprinting can be used to identify plants that could naturally decontaminate industrial wastes
