UPSC Prelims 2017 – Question 14

Q14. In the context of solving pollution problems, what is/are the advantage/advantages of bioremediation techniques?

1. It is a technique for cleaning up pollution by enhancing the same biodegradation process that occurs in nature.
2. Any contaminant with heavy metals such as cadmium and lead can be readily and completely treated by bioremediation using microorganisms
3. Genetic engineering can be used to create microorganisms specifically designed for bioremediation

Select the correct answer using the codes given below
a) 1 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and

The correct answer is 1 and 3 only. 

• Bioremediation technique  
• Bioremediation is a treatment that involves the use of naturally occurring organisms to convert hazardous substances into less toxic or non-toxic substances.  
• It degrades organic contaminants in soil, groundwater, sludge, and solids using microorganisms. 
• The bioremediation technique is a method of cleaning up pollution by enhancing the natural biodegradation process. Hence, Statement 1 is correct. 
• Not all contaminants are easily treated by microorganism-based bioremediation. Heavy metals, for example, cadmium and lead, are not easily absorbed or captured by microorganisms. 
• Bioremediation is only applicable to biodegradable compounds. Hence, Statement 2 is not correct. 
• Bioremediation is the process of degrading environmental contaminants using microorganisms, primarily bacteria and fungi. 
• Using genetic engineering, microorganisms specifically designed for bioremediation can be created. Hence, Statement 3 is correct. 

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