An Overview of Bioremediation Process – Mechanisms and Factors Influencing It

Abstract

With the emerging of several industries, environmental pollution has been on the rise. These pollutants could include heavy metals, nuclear wastes, pesticides, green house gases, agrowastes and hydrocarbons. This called for expedite action by using greener technology which will not unnecessarily add more toxins to the soil. Remediation of polluted sites using microbial process (bioremediation) has proven effective and reliable due to its eco-friendly features. Bioremediation can either be carried out ex situ or in situ, depending on several factors, which include but not limited to cost, site characteristics, type and concentration of pollutants. Generally, ex situ techniques apparently are more expensive compared to in situ techniques as a result of additional cost attributable to excavation. However, cost of on-site installation of equipment, and inability to effectively visualize and control the subsurface of polluted sites are of major concerns when carrying out in situ bioremediation. This paper presented a general overview of bioremediation process especially with respect to its mechanisms and factors influencing it. Several research works on the different types of bioremediation process were discussed. The mechanisms involved in bioremediation process was vividly described by giving in-depth explanation of heavy metals uptake by (microbes, plants and yeast) accompanied with cited works. Additionally, the degradation mechanism for hydrocarbons was highlighted and the different pathways (aerobically and anaerobically) were explained using equations and diagrams. The factors affecting the bioremediation process were outlined and lastly, the advantages and disadvantages of bioremediation process were enumerated.

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