Question

Bioremediation means either absorption or destruction of toxic chemicals and harmful pollutants with the help of plants and microorganisms. If plants are used for this purpose, it is called 'phyto-remediation'. Illustrate some examples of bioremediation.

Answer 1

Examples of bioremediation are as follows-

1. The Pseudomonas bacteria are useful for cleaning the hydrocarbon and oil pollutants from soil and water.
2. The fern Pteris vitata can absorb the arsenic from the soil.
3. Genetically modified variety of Indian mustard can absorb selenium from soil.
4. Sunflower can absorb uranium and arsenic.
5. The bacterium Deinococcus radiodurans is a highly radiation-resistant organism. It has been genetically modified and used to absorb the radiation from radioactive debris.
6. Grasses like alfalfa, clover and rye are used in phyto-remediation.