What+are+the+advantages+and+benefits+of+using+microbial+remediation?

Microbial and bioremediation have extensive benefits. The ability to use remediation methods in situ and ex situ has broadened the future potential for the remediation process. In situ remediation proves to be cost effective, as no waste is required to be removed off site. Examples of commonly used in situ remediation process include bioventing and bioaugmentation. However, ex situ remediation has the benefit of providing preliminary testing of the removal of the waste (Boopathy, 2000). Landfarming, composting and biopiles are the most commonly recognised applications of ex situ remediation.

The complete destruction of toxic waste in a polluted environment is extremely advantageous. Bioremediation’s ability to destroy the toxins allows for a more environmentally friendly approach to remediation than other strategies, such as landfill and dumping waste in the sea (Vivaldi, 2001). Recent developments in converting sewage water into drinking water also highlights the enormous potential for remediation in the future.



Compared to other remediation methods, bioremediation is more widely accepted in society, due to the natural process. The technique of microbe populations increasing in number while degrading a contaminant, and decreasing prior degradation appears more natural than using earlier methods, such as chemical sprays (Vivaldi, 2001).

To microbial remediation homepage

Erin Morgan