Bioremdiation+by+Nicole+Elizabeth+Torigian

= Description = Bioremediation is the use of biological agents, such as bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms, to remove contaminants and hazardous materials from the environment.

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= How it Works = Microorganisms ingest hazardous materials as food. The digestion process turns the hazardous material into a substance that is either harmless or beneficial to the environment.

More Scientifically...
Gluttonous microbes in a contaminated site break down organic contaminants by breaking down their carbon chains. The microbes continue to break down the carbon chains until the contaminant no longer exists. When the process is complete, these microbes leave behind water and carbon dioxide as by-products which hold traces of fatty acids.

= Types of Bioremediation = //** natural attenuation **// : occurs naturally without human involvement in an environment


 * // biostimulation //** : utilizes native microbial populations and the naturally occurring process, but humans add substances to speed up the process


 * // bioaugmentation //** : involves adding new substances to an environment,such as genetically altered microorganisms, that would not occur naturally in the area

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= What is Needed? =
 * microorganisms capable of converting a contaminant into a harmless or beneficial substance
 * a contaminant for the microorganism to feed on
 * an electron acceptor
 * proper conditions, such as temperature, pH, and oxygen levels, that the microorganisms need to survive and thrive

= What is it used for? = Bioremediation is most commonly used for removing contaminants from soil and groundwater. In some cases, it can be used in the air. Especially useful for:
 * oil spills
 * gasoline leaks
 * hazardous waste facilities
 * detoxicating soil for farm use

= Check Out Bioremediation on T.V. on the History Channel: = @http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmSaNqMpfCs

= Put Your New Knowledge To Use = = = Check out this lab activity to see for yourself the effects of bioremediation Get your bioremediation vocabulary down!
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= Bibliography = Works Cited "Bioremediation." Bioremediation. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 June 2012. . "Bioremediation Inc. | Organic Solution for a Clean Earth." Bioremediation Inc. | Organic Solution for a Clean Earth. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 June 2012. . "Drain Line Maintenance, Drain Openers, Natural Grease Eaters, Grease Eating Bacteria Microbes Enzymes, Grease Trap Service-BioStim BioRemediation." Drain Line Maintenance, Drain Openers, Natural Grease Eaters, Grease Eating Bacteria Microbes Enzymes, Grease Trap Service-BioStim BioRemediation. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 June 2012. . "Introduction." Introduction. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 June 2012. . "OBI - Bioremediation." OBI - Bioremediation. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 June 2012. . "What Is Bioremediation?" What Is Bioremediation? N.p., n.d. Web. 09 June 2012. .