A number of Chinese military technology research institutes, which have made great contributions in making China's first atom and hydrogen bombs and satellite, are focusing on developing environmental protection technology.

Outstanding researchers are using top military technology and advanced facilities to control pollution and protect the environment, said Song Baozeng, vice president of the Chinese Academy of Engineering Physics.

During a symposium on employing military technology to protect the environment, Song said that urban garbage treatment and utilization technology developed by the academy has received strong support from the State Development Planning Commission.

Garbage treatment technology has done little damage to the environment. The technology may recycle some garbage as fertilizer to increase grain yield, said Song.

According to Song, the Academy has also developed efficient sewage treatment and smoke desulfuration technology.

During four decades of developing nuclear weapons, the Academy developed technology for treating radioactive wastewater and gas.

Chen Zhiyuan, deputy secretary general of China Environmental Science Society, said that China should give priority to improving and developing environmental protection technology to resolve pressing environmental issues. (Xinhua)