What microbial processes are involved in the bioremediation of organic pollutants such as hydrocarbons and the bioremediation of inorganic pollutants such as uranium? What are the end products of bioremediation for hydrocarbons and uranium?

What will be an ideal response?


Answer: The bioremediation of hydrocarbons is generally accomplished through respiration of the hydrocarbons to carbon dioxide. This usually occurs in aerobic environments, although slower rates of degradation also occur in the absence of oxygen. In this way, organic pollutants can be almost completely removed from the environment by naturally occurring bacteria. Bioremediation of inorganic pollutants such as uranium does not involve mineralization or complete destruction of the pollutant. In general, anaerobic bacteria are used to change the oxidation state of the metal to a less toxic or insoluble form, thus reducing the impact of the pollutant on the environment. Inorganic pollutants cannot be completely removed by bioremediation.

Biology & Microbiology

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Which of the following is NOT an example of

the results of mitosis? a. a pair of identical twins b. a group of rooted plant cuttings from a single plant c. the cells produced by the asexual reproduction of a single-celled organism d. production of a gamete e. healing of a wound

Biology & Microbiology

We feel uncomfortably warm on a muggy day because water molecules are

What will be an ideal response?

Biology & Microbiology

How many of the 13 essential vitamins are water soluble and how many are fat soluble?

a. 5 are water soluble, and 8 are fat soluble b. 8 are water soluble, and 5 are fat soluble c. 9 are water soluble, and 4 are fat soluble d. 4 are water soluble, and 9 are fat soluble

Biology & Microbiology

A(n) __________ is a noncellular infectious particle with a protein coat enclosing DNA or RNA.

Fill in the blank(s) with the appropriate word(s).

Biology & Microbiology