Which of the following would be considered an example of bioremediation? a. adding nitrogen-fixing microorganisms to a degraded ecosystem to increase nitrogen availability b. using a bulldozer to regrade a strip mine c. reconfiguring the channel of a river d. adding seeds of a chromium-accumulating plant to soil contaminated by chromium

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of bioremediation. Bioremediation is a process used to treat contaminated media, including water, soil and subsurface material, by altering environmental conditions to stimulate growth of microorganisms and degrade the target pollutants.
2. Step 2: Analyze each option in the question. Bioremediation involves the use of living organisms, usually microorganisms or plants, to degrade the environmental contaminants into less toxic forms.
3. Step 3: Evaluate option a. Adding nitrogen-fixing microorganisms to a degraded ecosystem to increase nitrogen availability is an example of bioremediation because it involves the use of microorganisms to improve the environmental conditions.
4. Step 4: Evaluate option b. Using a bulldozer to regrade a strip mine is not an example of bioremediation because it does not involve the use of living organisms.
5. Step 5: Evaluate option c and d. Reconfiguring the channel of a river is not an example of bioremediation because it does not involve the use of living organisms. Adding seeds of a chromium-accumulating plant to soil contaminated by chromium is an example of bioremediation because it involves the use of plants to degrade the environmental contaminants.

Key Concepts

Bioremediation

Bioremediation is a process that uses living organisms, typically microorganisms or plants, to remove or neutralize contaminants from soil and water. This method leverages the natural metabolic processes of these organisms to break down pollutants, making it an environmentally friendly approach to cleaning up contaminated sites.

Microorganisms in Ecosystems

Microorganisms play a crucial role in ecosystems by participating in nutrient cycling, decomposing organic matter, and enhancing soil fertility. In bioremediation, specific microorganisms can be introduced to degraded environments to facilitate the breakdown of harmful substances, such as heavy metals or hydrocarbons, thereby restoring ecological balance.

Phytoremediation

Phytoremediation is a subset of bioremediation that involves the use of plants to absorb, accumulate, and detoxify contaminants from the soil and water. Certain plants, like chromium-accumulating species, can be particularly effective in cleaning up heavy metal pollution, making them valuable tools in environmental restoration efforts.