Use of microbes to clean up polluted

areas
Components:

Microbes
Toxin/Contaminant
Nutrients

Two main types:

Intrinsic/Passive (Bioaugmentation)
Engineered (Biostimulation)

Used during ancient times to treat

wastewater
Commercialized during the 70s
1989: Exxon Valdez oil spill

Prince William Sound, AK

Oil-degrading Pseudomonas aeruginosa,
Pseudomonas stutzeri and Bacillus subtilis
Nutrient addition was proven to enhance
degradation rates

Advantages

Cost-effective
Environment-friendly
In situ

Disadvantages

Specific requirements are needed

Slow
Not suitable for all cases