What is Bioremediation?
The treatment of pollutant's or waste (oil spill, contaminated groundwater, or an industrial process) by the use of microorganisms (bacteria) that break down under undesirable substances. Process and its Types Bioremediation is the branch of biotechnology which deals with the methods of solving several different types of environmental problems. It also plays a vital role in cleaning the environment from pollutants and contaminants by using these microorganisms and fungi. Bacteria are the most important microbes in this process because they break down the dead materials into organic matter and nutrients. Not all types of contaminates can be destroyed with Bioremediation, heavy metals like lead and cadmium are not the type of contaminants that can be destroyed. Special types of contaminants like chlorinated pesticides can be easily digested by bacteria. Even oil spills can be cleaned up with Bioremediation. How does Bioremediation work? For Bioremediation to work the organisms involved have to be healthy and active so that they can be used productively and efficiently. Microorganisms don't have to detoxify the same contaminant and toxin but for different toxins there are different microorganisms because there are different habitats for different organisms. Bioremediation can take place in two conditions. Aerobic Anaerobic In anaerobic conditions, microbes need oxygen to perform their duty. If they will get oxygen in sufficient amounts they will be able to easily convert the contaminants and toxins into water and carbon. In anaerobic conditions, microbes do the activity in the absence of oxygen. Chemical compounds which are in the soil can be decomposed by bacteria. As a result energy produces which is used by the microbes. Types of Bioremediation Biostimulation is the method in which bacteria are motivated to start the process of Bioremediation. Nutrients and other important substances are released in the soil where there is need or removing the contaminants. In the form of gas or liquid. It increases the growth of microbes in that area. As a result bacteria and other microorganisms remove the contaminants quickly and efficiently. Bioaugmentation:- Special sites where microorganisms are needed to remove the contaminants. Example municipal wastewater. Bioaugmentation is used for that purpose. But unfortunately this process is not very successful as it is difficult to control the growth of microorganisms to remove the particular contaminant. Intrinsic Bioremediation:- Takes place in soil and water because these two places are always full of contaminants. Example underground petroleum tanks. It is difficult to know if there is a leakage in the petroleum pipes. Contaminants and toxins find their way to enter in these sites and create harmful effects. Only microorganisms can destroy the toxins and clean the tanks. Great care should be taken if some leakage occurs in the petroleum tanks or pipes because it may damage the human health. Oil Spill Activity I have chosen to do the OiThis hands-on experiment will provide an understanding of the issues that surround environmental cleanup. You will be able to create your own oil spill, try different methods for cleaning it up, and then discuss the merits of each method in terms of effectiveness (cleanliness) and cost. l Spill clean up activity to demonstrate the different ways and techniques to clean up an oil spill. The link below will lead you to my Bioremediation Presentation on Google Docs. https://docs.google.com/a/lajunta.k12.co.us/presentation/d/1NtKl9RsNxuKB3CWTQ_2KgGCz4x6y_eDca_-Xmi4gjJw/edit
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