Final answer:
Biotechnology is used to detect microorganisms at beaches, which is vital for monitoring environmental health and safety. Microbes play a crucial role in bioremediation technologies for pollution clean-up and were the first forms of life on Earth. (Option A)
Step-by-step explanation:
Biotechnology can help us detect microorganisms, such as bacteria, present in beaches. The correct answer is A. Microorganisms. These microorganisms include various types of bacteria, viruses, and protozoa that can be present in water and sand. Biotechnological methods, such as DNA-based assays, can be used to identify and quantify the presence of specific microbes. This is important for public health and safety, as some microorganisms can be pathogenic or indicate the presence of pollution.
Environmental microbiologists use bioremediation technologies to use specially selected or genetically engineered microbes for the removal of pollutants from soil or groundwater, and hazardous elements from contaminated sites. These technologies help in cleaning up environments that have been affected by events such as oil spills—another application of biotechnology in environmental health.