The Bacteria Involved
The bacteria involved in the process of
bioremediation are simply
gluttonous
microbes. These naturally occurring microbes are placed within the contaminated
site in which they immediately begin to start breaking down the organic
contaminant. This "breaking down" process consists of these microbes breaking
the carbon chains of which make up all organic molecules. The microbes thus work
on breaking down the carbon chains until the contaminant is eliminated and no
longer an environmental threat. As a result of this process carbon dioxide and
water are left behind as by-products with trace elements of fatty acids.
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The optimal pH for the bacterial growth is approximately 7; this is in the acceptable range for soil pH suitable for bioremediation. |
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Bacteria require a carbon source for cell growth and an energy source to sustain their metabolic functions, the nitrogen and phosphorus serve as an energy source and the carbon dioxide in the air is used as the carbon source. |