BioremediationBioremediation

DefinitionDefinition

Bioremediation is the treatment of pollutants or Bioremediation is the treatment of pollutants or waste by using microorganisms such as bacteria waste by using microorganisms such as bacteria to clean them upto clean them up

Bacteria is used because it is one of the most Bacteria is used because it is one of the most diverse kingdoms so there are a wide variety of diverse kingdoms so there are a wide variety of bacteria that can be used to break down bacteria that can be used to break down different chemicals that we need to be taken different chemicals that we need to be taken care of.care of.

What is bioremediation used for?What is bioremediation used for?

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

The technique of using microorganisms to break down materials for The technique of using microorganisms to break down materials for our benefit is in the waste water treatment centers. Here our benefit is in the waste water treatment centers. Here

microorganisms are used to purify water so that it is drinkable.microorganisms are used to purify water so that it is drinkable.

Substances that can be treated with Substances that can be treated with bioremediationbioremediation

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkY6rTI5R1shttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkY6rTI5R1s HydrocarbonsHydrocarbons Benzenes, xylene, and touleneBenzenes, xylene, and toulene TCETCE PCB and other chlorinated compoundsPCB and other chlorinated compounds Fuel oilsFuel oils Fossil fuelsFossil fuels

What are the Benefits?What are the Benefits?

Bioremediation can degrade substances in reasonably Bioremediation can degrade substances in reasonably short timesshort times

It is toxin resistantIt is toxin resistant Safer than other methods of clean upSafer than other methods of clean up Bioremediation has less cost for equipment and labor Bioremediation has less cost for equipment and labor

because most of the work is done by the microorganismsbecause most of the work is done by the microorganisms The process of breaking down materials is naturalThe process of breaking down materials is natural Can mineralize contaminants and eliminate need for Can mineralize contaminants and eliminate need for

disposaldisposal Less disruption of the environmentLess disruption of the environment

In-Situ vs. Ex-Situ RemediationIn-Situ vs. Ex-Situ Remediation

In-Situ bioremediation treats contaminated soil or groundwater in the location where it 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 was found. Usually microorganisms are pumped into the soil or ground water so the contaminated soil and water can be broken downcontaminated soil and water can be broken down

Ex-Situ bioremediation needs the contaminated water to be pumped out and the 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 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 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.placed in a bed with oxygen and rich nutrients for further degradation.

Review questionsReview questions Name three chemicals or substances that are cleaned up with Name three chemicals or substances that are cleaned up with

bioremediation.bioremediation. What is the difference between In-Situ and Ex-Situ bioremediation?What is the difference between In-Situ and Ex-Situ bioremediation? What kinds of organisms are used for bioremediation?What kinds of organisms are used for bioremediation? How are the chemicals broken down by bioremediation?How are the chemicals broken down by bioremediation? What are some of the products of chemicals broken down by What are some of the products of chemicals broken down by

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