Bioremediation

Question 1

WHAT IS BIOREMEDIATION

Answer 1

Bioremediation is the use of living organisms to clean up pollution in soil, water, or air by breaking down harmful substances into non-toxic forms.

Question 2

WHAT ARE BIOREMIDATORS

Answer 2

Microorganisms used to perform the function of bioremediation are known as bioremediators.

Question 3

TYPE OF BIOREMIDATORS ON BASIS OF SITE

Answer 3

In Situ
- At the site
- Treatment of contaminated material in place
- Examples: Benzene, Toluene, TNT, 2,4-D
- Only certain types of soils can be bioremediated in situ
- Complete degradation is often difficult to achieve

Ex Situ
- Away from the site
- Techniques involve physical removal of the contaminated material for treatment
- Examples: Bio-piles, soil treatment unit, compost pile, windrows, etc.
- Use of bioreactors to process the material in a highly controlled environment

Question 4

TYPES OF BIOREMIDATORS

Answer 4

1. Biostimulation
- The method in which bacteria are motivated to start the process of bioremediation.
- In this method, experts release nutrients and other important substances in the soil where there is a need for removing contaminants.
- These are in the form of gas or liquid, increasing the growth of microbes in that area.
- As a result, bacteria and other microorganisms remove the contaminants quickly and efficiently.

2. Bioaugmentation
- Microorganisms that can clean up a particular contaminant are added to the contaminated soil and water.
- Bioaugmentation is commonly and successfully used on contaminants removed from the original site, such as municipal wastewater treatment facilities.

3. Intrinsic Bioremediation
- This process takes place in soil and water, as these areas are always full of contaminants and toxins.
- This process is also called natural attenuation.
- It involves the use of microorganisms to remove harmful substances from soil and water.
- Especially used for underground sites, such as underground petroleum tanks.

Question 5

ADVANTAGES OF BIOREMEDIATION

Answer 5

1. Low cost
2. Treats both soil and water at the same time.
3. Breaks down many types of pollutants.
4. Can be done on-site, causing less disruption.
5. Often cheaper than other cleanup methods.

Question 6

DISADVANTAGE OF BIOREMEDIATION

Answer 6

1. Time-consuming: Takes longer than other methods.
2. Seasonal limits: Works slower in certain weather or conditions.
3. Limited scope: Only works on biodegradable pollutants.
4. Specific needs: Requires the right microbes, nutrients, and environmental conditions to succeed.