About Bioremediation
Bioremediation literally means “restoring life through biology.”
It is the use of living organisms, primarily microorganisms, to degrade environmental contaminants into less toxic forms.
It is used to clean up contaminated soil, air, and water.
It harnesses microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, algae, and plants to sequester or transform toxic substances such as oil, pesticides, plastics, or heavy metals
These organisms metabolise these pollutants as food, breaking them down into harmless by-products such as water, carbon dioxide, or organic acids
In some cases, they can convert toxic metals into less dangerous forms that no longer leach into the soil or groundwater.
Two Broad Types of Bioremediation:
In sitbioremediation, where treatment happens directly at the contaminated site, such as when oil-eating bacteria is sprayed on an ocean spill
Ex sitbioremediation, where contaminated soil or water is removed, treated in a controlled facility, and returned once cleaned.
For bioremediation to be effective, the right temperature, nutrients, and food also must be present
Proper conditions allow the right microbes to grow and multiply—and eat more contaminants.
Bioremediation Advantages
It cleans up the environment naturally without the use of toxic chemicals. So, it is an environmentally friendly method
Contaminants are converted into water and harmless gases.
It is cost-effective, as extensive equipment and labor are not needed.
It is a permanent solution, as the degraded material cannot revert back to the previous one.
It is a recommended method for removing oil stains.
Bioremediation Disadvantages
It takes a large area and time from months to years.
It is limited to the compounds which are degradable.
It is not able to remove all kinds of impurities from the contaminated site. Like, some kind of inorganic contaminants cannot be treated with this bioremediation method.
Some heavy metals cannot be completely broken down, resulting in toxic by-products
IAS-2026 - OPTIONAL / GEOGRAPHY / PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION / SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / ORIENTATION ON 03 & 04-10-2025 
