Bioremediation: Microbes and Plants for Pollution Cleanup
Why in the news
Rising pollution raised interest in sustainable cleanup methods.
About bioremediation
- Living organisms degrade or detoxify pollutants; microbes eat the contaminant and release water, CO₂, organic acids or metals that no longer leach.
Types
| Type | Where | Methods |
|---|---|---|
| In-situ | On the contaminated site | Bioventing, air sparging, biobarriers, water recirculation |
| Ex-situ | Away from site | Reactor treatment, then return; used for heavy pollution |
In-situ methods
- Bioventing: air and nutrients for soil microbes.
- Air sparging: oxygenates groundwater.
- Biobarriers: microbe trenches for flowing groundwater.
- Water recirculation: treated water reinjected.
Exam angle
- Bioventing = air and nutrients for soil microbes.