Question

Bioremediation can be applied to clean up contaminants in

• A. Air only
• B. Water only
• C. Soil, water, and air
• D. Metals only

Hint:

• Bioremediation uses biological agents (microorganisms, plants) to degrade or detoxify environmental pollutants.
• It can be applied in situ (at the contaminated site) or ex situ (contaminated material moved elsewhere for treatment).
• Applicable media include soil, groundwater, surface water, wastewater, and air.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Bioremediation is a process that uses microorganisms, plants, or microbial or plant enzymes to detoxify contaminants in the environment, making it an essential tool for cleaning up pollution. This technique can be applied to various environmental media, including soil, water, and air, making it versatile in addressing multiple types of contamination. Here's a breakdown of how bioremediation works across different media:

Soil: Contaminated soil is treated using microorganisms that metabolize pollutants, transforming them into harmless substances. This method is effective for hydrocarbons and heavy metals.

Water: In water bodies, bioremediation involves microorganisms breaking down contaminants, such as oil spills and other organic pollutants, effectively reducing pollution levels in aquatic systems.

Air: Bioremediation can also be utilized to treat air pollutants, using biofilters and bioreactors that facilitate the microbial degradation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other gaseous contaminants.

The correct application of bioremediation aims to minimize human impact on the environment, restore natural conditions, and promote sustainability. Thus, the appropriate answer to the question regarding where bioremediation can be applied is: Soil, water, and air.