Bioremediation involves the use of organisms, including microbes and plants, to convert bioavailable hazardous substances to less toxic or more easily degraded products. One key area of bioremediation research is clarifying the mechanisms of biotransformation and biodegradation for single substances and chemical mixtures. Other critical areas include the development of genetically engineered organisms that carry the genes for contaminant-degrading enzymes, and acquiring a better understanding of the processes and factors that contribute to nutrient availability for in situ applications. Understanding how geochemical, physical and other natural processes influence contaminant bioavailability is also important to developing successful bioremediation strategies. As more is learned about bioremediation technology, it may provide a cost-effective alternative to traditional remediation methods in many circumstances.
Use the search tools below to find additional information about SBRP-funded bioremediation studies.
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