Chapter 20.3, Problem 3MI

Summary Introduction

To define: 

The term bioremediation.

Introduction:

Due to pollution, soil, water air get contaminated that create various environmental problems. The contaminants, pollutants and toxins from soil, water can be removed using a biotechnology called bioremediation.

Explanation of Solution

Bioremediation is a process of removing contaminants, pollutants or unwanted substances from soil or water using microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. It is used to clean up oil spills or contaminated groundwater. This technological process can be at the contaminated site (in situ) or away from the site of the contamination (ex situ). In this process, growth of certain microbes which is use contaminants like oil, solvents and pesticides for sources of food and energy. These microbes convert contaminants into small amounts of water and gases such as carbon dioxide.

Conclusion

Bioremediation is biotechnological process that uses micro-organisms to reduce pollution through the biological degradation of pollutants into non-toxic substances.