Bioremediation Microbes : A Small Solution to a Big problem
The global population is projected to exceed 9 billion by 2050, a staggering increase that demands intensive agricultural and industrial systems to sustain it. Unfortunately, this rapid growth comes at a cost: pollution is set to escalate dramatically, with dire consequences for our planet and its inhabitants. Shockingly, pollution is linked to approximately 62 million deaths annually, accounting for 40% of total global mortality. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that around 7 million people die each year due to the air they breathe, highlighting a critical public health crisis. Water systems are also under siege, with an estimated 70% of industrial waste dumped directly into nearby watercourses, contaminating vital resources. The sheer scale of waste generated is staggering—1.3 billion tonnes of rubbish produced each year, most of which ends up in landfills or, alarmingly, in our oceans.
As these statistics illustrate, the environmental challenges we face are not just numbers; they represent a pressing call to action for innovative solutions like bioremediation, which can help combat the pollution crisis and restore our ecosystems.
Nature has a surprising ally to combat these colossal problems - tiny microbes. Bioremediation is the use of living organisms, primarily microbes, to degrade or detoxify pollutants. Essentially, bioremediation stimulates the growth of microbes that use contaminants as a food source, breaking down the contaminants into less toxic or non toxic byproducts in the process. Biological microbes are tiny bacterial organisms that naturally inhabit our environment. These microorganisms play a vital role in decomposing organic matter, recycling nutrients, and restoring imbalances in groundwater and soil chemistry. When human activities lead to environmental harm, nature relies on these bacterial microorganisms to initiate self-correction. Sometimes microbes are already present in water and soil in the right quantities to counter the adverse effects of pollution, however human intervention can accelerate nature’s remediation process.
There are three main bioremediation techniques used today:
Bioventing: Bioventing is one of the most widely used bioremediation techniques. This method involves drilling small-diameter wells into the soil to allow air to enter and facilitate passive ventilation, releasing ground gases generated by microbial activity. It is effective for addressing groundwater and soil issues, as it enables the adjustment of airflow rates, which in turn controls nutrient and oxygen levels.
Biosparging: Biosparging entails injecting high-pressure air into the soil or beneath the groundwater table. This process increases oxygen concentrations, promoting biological activity. Air sparging is a highly effective and cost-efficient alternative to traditional methods such as excavating contaminated soil or circulating polluted water through pumps and filtration systems.
Bioaugmentation: Bioaugmentation is commonly employed in industrial settings to introduce additional exogenous species or enhance indigenous microbes at contaminated sites. This technique often complements bioventing and biosparging; however, it has its limitations. Non-indigenous microbes may not be compatible with native bacteria, which means many bioaugmentation strategies involve adding microbes to support those already present in the environment.
There are several common sources of pollution where bioremediation can be particularly effective:
Petroleum Stations: The underground tanks at petroleum stations are susceptible to corrosion, which can cause gasoline and diesel fuel to leak into the soil and persist long after the station has ceased operations. Fortunately, petroleum products are particularly amenable to bioremediation.
Industrial Sites: Many industrial sites utilize various chemicals in their production processes, which can lead to spills or discharges. While heavy metals like lead and chromium are challenging to remediate, numerous lesser pollutants can be effectively neutralized through biological processes.
Landfills: Overfilled, leached, or decommissioned landfills present ideal conditions for bioremediation. Methane gas, a common byproduct of landfills, can be managed through techniques like air stripping and scrubbing.
Farms: Over-fertilization, often resulting from the excessive use of chemical fertilizers and animal waste, makes farms prime candidates for bioremediation.
Lumber Processing Yards: Lumber processing facilities frequently use wood preservatives that can leach into the soil and groundwater. Bioremediation strategies can effectively remove these harmful pollutants.
On-Site Sanitation Systems: When septic tanks and disposal fields malfunction, on-site sanitation systems can contaminate soil and groundwater. Such overflows are highly responsive to biological treatment.
Mine Site Tailings: The tailings from mining sites can be extremely toxic, but bioremediation has proven highly effective in detoxifying old quarries and pits.
Accidental Chemical Spills: Chemical spills along transportation routes, including petroleum discharges and road salts, have been successfully addressed using biological treatment methods.
As we face the daunting challenge of environmental degradation, it is imperative that we embrace and invest in bioremediation techniques alongside other sustainable practices. Through increased awareness, research, and application of these natural processes, we can not only combat pollution but also promote a healthier and more resilient planet for future generations. Nature, with its inherent ability to self-correct, holds the key to a cleaner, safer world—if only we give it the chance to do so.
