bioremediation

(noun)

the use of biological organisms, usually microorganisms, to remove contaminants, especially from soil or polluted water

Related Terms

Examples of bioremediation in the following topics:

  • Prokaryotes and Environmental Bioremediation

    • Bioremediation occurs when prokaryotes clean up a polluted environment through the natural breakdown of pollutants.
    • Microbial bioremediation is the use of prokaryotes (or microbial metabolism) to remove pollutants.
    • Certain toxic metals and oxides, such as selenium and arsenic compounds, can also be removed from water by bioremediation.
    • Mercury is an example of a toxic metal that can be removed from an environment by bioremediation.
    • To clean up these spills, bioremediation is promoted by the addition of inorganic nutrients that help bacteria to grow.

  • Fungi Cell Structure and Function

    • Because of their varied metabolic pathways, fungi fulfill an important ecological role and are being investigated as potential tools in bioremediation.