Air pollution is a major problem in Bangladesh. The country has one of the highest rates of air pollution in the world. This is due to a number of factors, including: Indoor air pollution: This is caused by the burning of biomass fuels, such as wood, charcoal, and dung, for cooking and heating. Outdoor air pollution: This is caused by the burning of fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, for transportation and industry. Air pollution has a number of negative health impacts, including: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): This is a lung disease that makes it difficult to breathe. Heart disease: Air pollution can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and heart attack. Cancer: Air pollution has been linked to a number of types of cancer, including lung cancer, bladder cancer, and kidney cancer. Premature death: Air pollution is estimated to cause over 70,000 premature deaths in Bangladesh each year. Slide 3: Microbial technology for air pollution control Microbial technology is a promising new approach to air pollution control. Microbial technologies use living organisms, such as bacteria and fungi, to remove pollutants from the air. There are a number of different microbial technologies that can be used to control air pollution. Some of the most promising technologies include: Biofiltration: Biofiltration is a process that uses living organisms, such as bacteria and fungi, to remove pollutants from the air. Biofilters are typically made of a porous material, such as wood chips or activated carbon, that is colonized by the living organisms. As the air passes through the biofilter, the pollutants are absorbed by the living organisms or adsorbed onto the surface of the biofilter. Bioventing: Bioventing is a process that uses living organisms to remove pollutants from soil or groundwater. Bioventing systems typically consist of a series of perforated pipes that are inserted into the soil or groundwater. Air is pumped through the pipes, which helps to aerate the soil or groundwater and promote the growth of living organisms. As the living organisms grow, they consume the pollutants in the soil or groundwater. Bioremediation: Bioremediation is a process that uses living organisms to degrade pollutants. Bioremediation systems typically involve the addition of nutrients and oxygen to the contaminated site, which helps to promote the growth of living organisms. As the living organisms grow, they degrade the pollutants in the contaminated site.