BIOREMEDIATION

Bioremediation is a combination of two words – bio, short for biological, and remediation, which means to remedy.
Bioremediation usually refers specifically to the use of microorganisms.
Process that uses naturally occurring or genetically engineered microorganisms such as yeast, fungi and bacteriato transform harmful substance into less toxic or nontoxic compound.
Bioremediation uses living organisms to clean up contaminated soil or water.


Types of Bioremediation
Biostimulation
Bioaugmentation
Intrinsic Bioremediation

Nutrients and oxygen - in a liquid or gas form - are added to contaminated water or soil to encourage the growth and activity of bacteria already existing in the soil or water.

The disappearance of contaminants is monitored to ensure that remediation occurs. 

Bioaugmentation is more commonly and successfully used on contaminants removed from the original site, such as in municipal wastewater treatment facilities.

To date, this method has not been very successful when done at the site of the contamination because it is difficult to control site conditions for the optimal growth of the microorganisms added.


Bioaugmentation is more commonly and successfully used on contaminants removed from the original site, such as in municipal wastewater treatment facilities.

To date, this method has not been very successful when done at the site of the contamination because it is difficult to control site conditions for the optimal growth of the microorganisms added.


Intrinsic Bioremediation
Also known as natural attenuation, this type of bioremediation occurs naturally in contaminated soil or water.

This natural bioremediation is the work of microorganisms and is seen in petroleum contamination sites, such as old gas stations with leaky underground oil tanks.


Anabolism – Building Up
In anabolism, chemicals taken up by the microorganism are used to build various cell parts. Carbon and nitrogen are the basic chemicals in the proteins, sugars and nucleic acids that make up microbial cells.

Microorganisms take up carbon and nitrogen from the soil, water, and air around them. In order to take up nutrients and make them into cell parts, a microorganism needs energy. This is where catabolism comes in.


Catabolism – Breaking Down

Catabolism allows microorganisms to gain energy from the chemicals available in the environment.

Although most microorganisms are exposed to light and to chemical energy sources, most rely on chemicals for their energy.

When chemicals break down, energy is released. Microorganisms use this energy to carry out cellular functions, such as those involved in anabolism



Anabolism and Catabolism's Role in Bioremediation

Chemicals present at contaminated sites become part of the anabolism and catabolism process.
For example, hydrocarbons (part of the carbon family) present at sites with petroleum products can be taken up by microorganisms and used as building blocks for cell components.

Other chemicals that are important to a microorganism include chemical compounds in the phosphorus, potassium, calcium and sodium group.

Microorganisms also need trace elements of other chemicals, including chromium, cobalt, copper, and iron, all of which can be available in abundance at contaminated sites.