Bioremediation

Definition

 Bioremediation is the treatment of pollutants or waste by using microorganisms such as bacteria to clean them up  Bacteria is used because it is one of the most diverse kingdoms so there are a wide variety of bacteria that can be used to break down different chemicals that we need to be taken care of.

What is bioremediation used for?

 Bioremediation is used to clean up biodegradable contaminants such as gasoline contaminations, oil spills, and other toxic chemical leaks  The technique of using microorganisms to break down materials for our benefit is in the waste water treatment centers. Here microorganisms are used to purify water so that it is drinkable.

Substances that can be treated with bioremediation

       http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkY6rTI5R1s Hydrocarbons Benzenes, xylene, and toulene TCE PCB and other chlorinated compounds Fuel oils Fossil fuels

What are the Benefits?

 Bioremediation can degrade substances in reasonably short times  It is toxin resistant  Safer than other methods of clean up  Bioremediation has less cost for equipment and labor because most of the work is done by the microorganisms  The process of breaking down materials is natural  Can mineralize contaminants and eliminate need for disposal  Less disruption of the environment

In-Situ vs. Ex-Situ Remediation

 In-Situ bioremediation treats contaminated soil or groundwater in the location where it was found. Usually microorganisms are pumped into the soil or ground water so the contaminated soil and water can be broken down  Ex-Situ bioremediation needs the contaminated water to be pumped out and the contaminated soil to be removed. The contaminated water and soil are treated with microorganisms and then after the materials are degraded the soil and water are placed in a bed with oxygen and rich nutrients for further degradation.

Review questions

      Name three chemicals or substances that are cleaned up with bioremediation.

What is the difference between In-Situ and Ex-Situ bioremediation?

What kinds of organisms are used for bioremediation?

How are the chemicals broken down by bioremediation?

What are some of the products of chemicals broken down by bioremediation?

What are the benefits of bioremediation? Explain how it impacts society