Q. In the context of solving pollution problems, what is/are the advantage/ advantages of bioremediation technique?

1. It is a technique for cleaning up pollution by enhancing the same biodegradation process that occurs in nature.
2. Any contaminant with heavy metals such as cadmium and lead can be readily and completely treated by bioremediation using microorganisms.
3. Genetic engineering can be used to create microorganisms specifically designed for bioremediation.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

• 1 only
• 2 and 3 only
• 1 and 3 only
• 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only

Notes:

Bioremediation technique

• Bioremediation is a treatment that uses naturally occurring organisms to break down hazardous substances into less toxic or non-toxic substances. It uses microorganisms to degrade organic contaminants in soil, groundwater, sludge, and solids.
  • The bioremediation technique is a technique for cleaning up pollution by enhancing the same biodegradation process that occurs in nature.
• Not all contaminants are easily treated by bioremediation using microorganisms. For example, heavy metals such as cadmium and lead are not readily absorbed or captured by microorganisms.
  • Bioremediation is limited to biodegradable compounds. So statement 2 is incorrect.
  • Bioremediation is the use of microorganisms mainly bacteria and fungi to degrade the environmental contaminants into less toxic forms.
• Genetic engineering can be used to create microorganisms specifically designed for bioremediation.