bioremediation

bi·o·re·me·di·a·tion  (b-r-md-shn)

n.

The use of biological agents, such as bacteria or plants, to remove or neutralize contaminants, as in polluted soil or water.

---

bioremediation  (b-r-md-shn)

The use of biological agents, such as bacteria, fungi, or green plants, to remove or neutralize contaminants, as in polluted soil or water. Bacteria and fungi generally work by breaking down contaminants such as petroleum into less harmful substances. Plants can be used to aerate polluted soil and stimulate microbial action. They can also absorb contaminants such as salts and metals into their tissues, which are then harvested and disposed of. The use of green plants to decontaminate polluted soil or water is called phytoremediation.

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	bioremediation - the branch of biotechnology that uses biological process to overcome environmental problems biotech, biotechnology - the branch of molecular biology that studies the use of microorganisms to perform specific industrial processes; "biotechnology produced genetically altered bacteria that solved the problem"
	2.	bioremediation - the act of treating waste or pollutants by the use of microorganisms (as bacteria) that can break down the undesirable substances treatment, handling - the management of someone or something; "the handling of prisoners"; "the treatment of water sewage"; "the right to equal treatment in the criminal justice system" bacteria, bacterium - (microbiology) single-celled or noncellular spherical or spiral or rod-shaped organisms lacking chlorophyll that reproduce by fission; important as pathogens and for biochemical properties; taxonomy is difficult; often considered to be plants