Bioremediation

From MicrobeWiki, the student-edited microbiology resource
Revision as of 22:57, 10 February 2008 by Irina.chakraborty (talk | contribs)

Introduction

Bioremediation refers to the use of microorganisms to degrade contaminants that pose environmental, and especially human risks. It has become an accepted remedy to clean-ups due to its safety and convenience. The process relies on the microorganisms that are natural to the soil, and also allows scientists to solve the problem right at the site of contamination. [1]

Bioremediation Applications

Examples

Degradation Pathways

Environmental Considerations

Advantages/Possibilities

Monitoring

Microorganisms

microbe

Pseudomonas putida is a gram-negative soil bacterium that is involved in the bioremediation of toulene, a component of paint thinner. It is also capable of degrading naphthalene, a product of petroleum refining, in contaminated soils. [2]

Current Research

References

1. United States Environmental Protection Agency, "A Citizen's Guide to Bioremediation" 2001.

Edited by student of Kate Scow