What are the Lab Techniques Involved with Bioremediation?
Getting millions of microorganisms to perform a specific function is not as easy as it might sound. By far, the simplest scenario is when bacteria that break down a pollutant are already present in the environment, because scientists can enhance their ability to perform their natural processes merely by adding nutrients and oxygen. Unfortunately, this biostimulation is not always possible, such as in cases where the contaminants are not easily biodegradable. Under such conditions, scientists have to resort to bioaugmentation, and must either find some other naturally occurring bacteria that can break down the contaminants, or genetically engineer new ones that can. By altering the DNA of some bacteria, it is possible to create microbes capable of doing things that no naturally occurring life form would, for example, absorb a toxic substance like mercury in order to prevent it from spreading through the food chain.
Click on the links below to further explore the genetic modification of bacteria:
http://www.learner.org/courses/biology/textbook/gmo/gmo_2.html
http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/environment/waste/how-microbes-will-clean-up-our-messes
http://omicsonline.org/genetically-engineered-microorganisms-a-problem-solving-approach-for-bioremediation-2155-6199.1000e133.pdf
http://www.learner.org/courses/biology/textbook/gmo/gmo_2.html
http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/environment/waste/how-microbes-will-clean-up-our-messes
http://omicsonline.org/genetically-engineered-microorganisms-a-problem-solving-approach-for-bioremediation-2155-6199.1000e133.pdf