Bioremediation
Definition
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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?
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Bioremediation is used to clean up biodegradable contaminants
such as gasoline contaminations, oil spills, and other toxic chemical
leaks
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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
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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?
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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
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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
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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
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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