What is the primary purpose of bioremediation?

Bioremediation is a biotechnological process that primarily aims to degrade environmental contaminants, utilizing microorganisms or plants to remove or neutralize pollutants from a contaminated environment. This process is especially valuable in addressing issues such as soil and water pollution caused by hazardous substances, including heavy metals, pesticides, and hydrocarbons.

Microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, can break down or metabolize these toxic compounds into less harmful forms, effectively cleaning up contaminated sites. This method is environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and can help restore ecosystems affected by pollution. The focus on degrading environmental contaminants distinguishes bioremediation from other agricultural practices, such as increasing crop yields or enhancing pest resistance, which target agricultural productivity and economic factors rather than pollution mitigation.