Bioremediation

Bioremediation uses organisms or their enzymes to remove, degrade, or neutralize pollutants in contaminated environments. It can occur naturally or be enhanced through deliberate intervention.

Biodegradation: The breakdown of substances by living organisms or their enzymes. It is the central transformation process by which many pollutants lose their original chemical form.
In situ bioremediation: Treatment of contaminated material at its original location without excavation. It treats polluted groundwater or soil while minimizing disturbance and material transport.
Biodegradation pathway: A sequence of biochemical reactions through which organisms break down a compound. A contaminant's pathway determines its intermediate products and whether degradation can reach completion.
Chemical oxidation: The use of reactive chemical oxidants to transform contaminants. It can rapidly destroy some pollutants where microbial reactions are too slow or limited.
Environmental monitoring: The systematic measurement of environmental conditions and substances over time. Monitoring tracks contaminant trends and detects changes during and after biological treatment.
Biotransformation: The chemical alteration of a substance by biological activity. Pollutants can be transformed without being fully degraded or made harmless.
Ex situ bioremediation: Treatment of contaminated material after it has been removed from its original location. Excavated soil can be treated in controlled systems with managed aeration and nutrients.
Hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria: Bacteria capable of using petroleum hydrocarbons as sources of carbon or energy. These organisms drive biological treatment of many petroleum-contaminated sites.
Pump and treat: A groundwater remediation method that extracts contaminated water for aboveground treatment. It removes contaminated water for treatment rather than relying on transformations in place.
Risk assessment: The process of estimating potential harm from exposure to hazards. Treatment goals depend on whether remaining contaminants pose unacceptable risks to people or ecosystems.

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