Question

The process of using microorganisms to reduce pollution through the biological degradation of pollutants into the non-toxic substance is called as

• A. Bioremediation
• B. Biodegradation
• C. Bioaccumulation
• D. Phytoremediation

Hint:

Environmental Cleanup Terms:
BIOREMEDIATION = Using MICROORGANISMS to degrade pollutants into non-toxic substances.
PHYTOREMEDIATION = Using PLANTS.
BIOACCUMULATION = Toxin buildup in organisms.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Environmental biotechnology: bioremediation is the intentional engineered application of microbial metabolic pathways (bacteria, fungi) to detoxify and remove environmental contaminants.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Definitions in environmental biotechnology and pollution abatement:
1. Bioremediation (A): The technological process of utilizing microorganisms (bacteria, archaea, fungi) to actively clean up, degrade, transform, or eliminate hazardous environmental pollutants (oil spills, pesticides, heavy metals, aquaculture pond wastes) into benign non-toxic end-products ($\text{CO}_2, \text{H}_2\text{O}$, biomass).
2. Biodegradation: The natural biochemical breakdown of materials by living organisms.
3. Phytoremediation: The use of higher plants to extract or detoxify pollutants.
4. Bioaccumulation: The progressive build-up of toxins in tissues over time.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Thus, the process is called Bioremediation, corresponding to option (A).