BIOREMEDIATION

• Bioremediation, in simple terms, refers to using biological agents to revive or clean polluted environments.
• It relies on microorganisms — including bacteria, fungi, algae, and even certain plants — to capture, break down, or neutralise hazardous substances like petroleum spills, pesticides, plastics, and heavy metals. These organisms treat the contaminants as nutrients, decomposing them into safer end-products such as carbon dioxide, water, and organic acids.
• In some situations, they can also alter toxic metals into more stable, less harmful forms that do not seep into soil or groundwater.
• Bioremediation is generally classified into two categories. In situ bioremediation involves treating pollutants at the site itself, for instance by introducing oil-degrading bacteria directly onto an ocean spill.
• Ex situ bioremediation, on the other hand, requires excavating the contaminated soil or water, processing it at a specialised facility, and then returning it once it is detoxified.
• Contemporary bioremediation blends conventional microbiology with advanced biotechnology.
• Emerging tools allow scientists to study biological systems more precisely, identify molecules with beneficial traits, and reproduce them under controlled conditions — such as in wastewater treatment systems or on farmlands.
• For instance, genetically engineered microbes are being developed to break down stubborn pollutants like plastics and persistent oil residues that natural organisms cannot efficiently degrade

• Bioremediation is slowly becoming more prominent in India, although much of the work is still at the trial or experimental stage. The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), through its Clean Technology Programme, has been funding various initiatives and promoting collaboration between academic institutions, government research bodies, and industry players.
• The CSIR–National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) is actively involved in developing and implementing bioremediation-related projects.
• At the Indian Institutes of Technology, scientists have tested innovations such as a cotton-based nanocomposite that can absorb oil spills, and others have discovered microbial strains capable of breaking down hazardous contaminants in soil.
• The private sector is also beginning to participate. Startups like Biotech Consortium India Limited (BCIL) and Econirmal Biotech are providing microbial products aimed at treating polluted soil and wastewater.
• Despite this growth, large-scale deployment still encounters obstacles. Key issues include inadequate understanding of local contamination conditions, the diverse and complex nature of pollutants, and the absence of uniform national standards for bioremediation practices

Environmentally Friendly

• Uses natural organisms such as bacteria, fungi, and plants.

• Breaks down pollutants into harmless by-products like water, CO₂, or organic acids.

• Minimises secondary pollution compared to chemical or mechanical treatments.

Cost-Effective

• Generally cheaper than traditional remediation methods that require heavy machinery, chemicals, or high energy consumption.

• Suitable for developing countries with limited cleanup budgets.

Sustainable and Self-Propagating

• Microorganisms can multiply and continue degradation without continuous human intervention.

• Supports long-term ecological restoration.

Versatile

• Effective against a wide range of contaminants: petroleum oils, pesticides, plastics, sewage sludge, heavy metals (in altered forms), and industrial effluents.

• Can be applied to soil, groundwater, wastewater, marine environments, and sediments.

In Situ Application Reduces Disturbance

• Many bioremediation processes can occur directly at the contaminated site.

• Eliminates the need to transport hazardous material, reducing risk and cost.

 Enhances Soil and Water Quality

• Restores soil fertility by promoting microbial diversity and organic content.

• Improves water quality in rivers, lakes, wetlands, and groundwater systems.

Scalable and Adaptable

• Can be applied on small patches of polluted land as well as large, industrially degraded regions.

• Indigenous microbial strains adapt well to local environmental conditions.

Supports Circular Economy & Green Jobs

• Creates employment opportunities in biotechnology, environmental consulting, waste management, and research.

• Integrates with green technology initiatives like Swachh Bharat Mission, Namami Gange, and waste-to-wealth programmes.