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Bioremediation

Michael Forlini | Oct 5, 2010

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Bioremediation allows a natural process to clean up harmful chemicals in the environment. This process employs microscopic “bugs” or microbes that live in soil and groundwater to digest and break down certain harmful chemicals, such as those found in gasoline and oil spills. When microbes completely digest these chemicals, they break them down into water and harmless gases such as carbon dioxide.

In order for microbes to be most effective, the right temperature, nutrients (fertilizers) and the proper amount of oxygen must be present in the soil and groundwater. Proper conditions allow the microbes to grow and multiply—and eat more chemicals. If the conditions are not right, microbes may grow too slowly or die. The conditions can be improved by pumping air, nutrients or other substances (such as molasses) underground. Additional microbes are sometimes also added. Bioremediation allows polluted soil and groundwater to be cleaned at the site without having to move them elsewhere.

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