Bio means "life." Bioremediation is the use of microbes to clean up and break down harmful substances in contaminated soil and groundwater. Microbes are very small organisms, such as bacteria, that live naturally in the environment. Bioremediation stimulates the growth of certain microbes that use contaminants as a source of food and energy. Contaminants treated using bioremediation include oil and other petroleum products, solvents, and pesticides. Want to know more about the process of
Bio means "life." Bioremediation is the use of microbes to clean up and break down harmful substances in contaminated soil and groundwater. Microbes are very small organisms, such as bacteria, that live naturally in the environment. Bioremediation stimulates the growth of certain microbes that use contaminants as a source of food and energy. Contaminants treated using bioremediation include oil and other petroleum products, solvents, and pesticides. Want to know more about the process of
bioremediation? First, learn about the prerequisites below.
​Why is bioremediation important?
​Humans need a safe water supply and a safe method of sewage disposal. While half the population in the United States get their water from groundwater, most Americans live within 10 miles of a polluted body of water. Most bacteria is found in the top 12 inches of soil. Bioremediation is the solution to this problem because it will clean the contaminants from the soil. Some other reasons why bioremediation is important is because it harnesses naturally-occurring biogeochemical processes, Destroys or immobilizes contaminants rather than transfers them from one environmental media to another; and Conserves limited financial resources due to shortened cleanup times and/or lower capital expenditures relative to many other remediation technologies. (2.2) (2.3)​
Prerequisites of Bioremediation​
Not much is required to start this treatment. Things that are required for effective bioremediation include: contaminant degrading microorganisms, moisture, nutrients, and appropriate pH. However, the temperature is a critical factor. High temperatures enhance the speed of bioremediation. Any temperatures near or below freezing will cause the microbes to go dormant, therefore causing bioremediation to cease until the temperature warms. (2.4)​
Microbial Populations for Bioremediation Processes
The main requirements of microbial populations is an energy source and a carbon source, because of the adaptability. Microbes will adapt and grow at subzero temperatures, as well as extreme heat, desert conditions, in water, with an excess of oxygen, and in anaerobic conditions, with the presence of hazardous compounds or on any wastestream. (2.5) ​
Below is a table showing the requirements for bioremediation to occur. (2.6)
Conditions
Also bioremediation can take place in two conditions (aerobic and anaerobic). In anaerobic condition, microbes need oxygen to perform their duty. If they get a sufficient amount of oxygen, they will be able to easily convert contaminants and toxins into water and carbon. In anaerobic conditions, microbes do the activity in the absence of oxygen. Chemical compounds which are present in the soil can be decomposed by bacteria under anaerobic conditions. As a result, the energy produced is used by the microbes. The best bioremediation approach (aerobic or anaerobic) largely depends on the type of contaminant(s) and site conditions present. (2.8) (2.9)​
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Click here to look at a table that provides an overview of numerous contaminants and their preferred (aerobic or anaerobic) conditions for degradation.
​Now that you have learned about the conditions and requirements before starting the bioremediation, click here to learn about the process.