What is Bioremediation? | 4 Real-World Examples of Bioremediation

Environmental pollutants continue to be a major global concern. However, thanks to the evolution of bioremediation technology, we are able to diminish some of the damaging effects that these pollutants have had on our environment. The following 3 examples will help you gain a better understanding of bioremediation and its uses.

Bioremediation is the process of using biological organisms to break down hazardous substances into less toxic or nontoxic substances. According to Cornell University, “Bioremediation provides a technique for cleaning up pollution by enhancing the same biodegradation processes that occur in nature.” Although bioremediation happens naturally over time, scientists have developed ways to speed up the process through bioremediation technology.

3 Examples of Bioremediation

Sure, you probably learned about bioremediation in your high school science class. But how does it apply to real world situations? There are several branches of bioremediation, each with its own specialized methods and qualifications. It is important to note that while these branches share the same title, bioremediation, they are handled differently and their services do not overlap.

Crime scene cleanup. Bioremediation in this sense involves the cleanup of blood and bodily fluids that can pose health risks such as hepatitis, HIV, and MRSA. Rather than using standard cleaning agents like bleach or ammonia, crime scene cleaners use enzyme cleaners to rid the scene of harmful substances. Aftermath is a company that specializes in this area of bioremediation and has almost 20 years of experience in the field. Aftermath does not remediate environmental pollutants.
The cleanup of contaminated soil. Human activity has introduced many toxic substances into the environment’s soil and groundwater. According to an essay published by Montana State University, “During bioremediation, microbes utilize chemical contaminants in the soil as an energy source and, through oxidation-reduction reactions, metabolize the target contaminant into useable energy for microbes.”
Oil spill cleanup. You may remember the Deepwater Horizon oil spill that happened in 2010, where 3.19 million barrels of oil spilled off the Gulf of Mexico. Due to the effectiveness and lower cost of bioremediation, two methods were used to cleanup after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
- Bioaugmentation. The injection of a small amount of oil-degrading microbes into an affected area.
- Biostimulation. The addition of nutrients to stimulate the growth of innate oil-degrading microbes to increase the rate of remediation.

There are several companies that handle oil spill and contaminated soil cleanup. To learn more about these companies, this list can help.

Aftermath is committed to providing active leadership and support to the communities we serve through public education. To learn more about crime scene cleanup techniques, browse through some of our blogs.

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Sources:

http://ei.cornell.edu/biodeg/bioremed/
http://abcnews.go.com/US/deepwater-horizon-oil-spill-years/story?id=30432672
https://microbewiki.kenyon.edu/index.php/Microbial_Response_to_Deepwater_Horizon_Oil_Spill
http://waterquality.montana.edu/docs/methane/Donlan.shtml
http://www.aftermath.com/blog/biotales/aftermath-helps-decrease-liability-risk-improve-safety-atp-testing/
http://www.aftermath.com/contact-24-7-365/
http://w3.ualg.pt/~jvarela/biotecnol/pdf/biorm-polut.pdf
http://www.epa.gov/tio/download/citizens/a_citizens_guide_to_bioremediation.pdf

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Randy N. - October 11, 2022

"From my initial contact with Jeanine to the final walk through with Jason, Tristan, Marquel and Fritz Aftermath services has been tremendously upfront, kind and compassionate after the death of my sister. During such a difficult time I never would have thought that I would walk away with five new friends. I am forever grateful."

Megan M. - October 10, 2022

"Aftermath Services Manager Christopher and his Assistant Manager Trainee Gabriel took care of my tenants (who was family) apartment swiftly. It was disgusting in there. Will be going back to this company if a situation arises like this in the future. Drive home safe guys and thank you for your hard work."

John I. - October 12, 2022

"I can not thank Cecily and Fernando enough for all the hard work and dedication they exerted to resolve our family crisis. Thank you both very much. You truly care about the families that you serve and it shows. "

Joseph T. - September 19, 2022

"Lacey and her team are amazing. We never experienced anything like this they walked us through process explained everything upfront even cost and went above and beyond. They were professional, compassionate and informative from minute they showed up even on a holiday. Sorry to say this hope I never need their services again but if we did Aftermath will be our 1st call. Thank you so much."

Patti B. - September 12, 2022

"The Pasadena Aftermath team did an outstanding job. Not only are they a remarkable team, they are also exceptional individuals. Over the course of the week that they were here, we got to know and trust them. They handled this unthinkable situation with grace, compassion, and the utmost respect for the victims. Words will never be able to truly capture the appreciation we have for them. When our world felt like it was hit with a tsunami, your team threw us a life preserver and told us that we will be okay again.The world needs more “Kevins”, “Jamies”, and “Hassens”, who will help lift the burden off of strangers who are facing their darkest days."

Ashlyn B. - September 5, 2022

"Sterling and Aurelia did much more than clean the scene. They were patient, kind, and very compassionate. They took good care of the property as if it was there own. Sterling and Aurelia communicated with us every step of the way. Their presence alone did much to contribute to the healing process. On top of all that, they did a fantastic job cleaning the house. To be honest, we hated to see them leave. Our family thank them both to the highest degree!!"

Tim F. - August 22, 2022