UPSC Prelims 2017 Question:

In the context of solving pollution problems, what is/are the advantage/advantages of bioremediation technique

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 code given below:

Explanation: 

• Bioremediation refers to the use of living organisms to remove contaminants, pollutants, or unwanted substances from soil or water. It can be defined as any process that uses bacteria, fungi, green plants or their enzymes to return the environment altered by contaminants to its original condition. So, statement 1 is correct.
  
  
• However, not all the toxic and heavy metals like lead and cadmium can be completely treated with the bioremediation process. So, statement 2 is not correct.
  
  
• Genetic engineering can be very well used to modify and to create microorganisms which are specially designed for bioremediation. So, statement 3 is correct. 
  • Mercury is the most toxic heavy metal which can be released into the environment. Genetically Engineered (GE) Escherichia coli strain JM109 has the ability to remove mercury from contaminated water, soil or sediment. GE bacteria containing the MerA gene can remove mercury from a contaminated site. 
  • GE Deinococcus radiodurans and Pseudomonas putidia are capable of degrading organic pollutants in contaminated sites.
    
    

Therefore, option (3) is the correct answer.

Subject: Science & Technology | Biotechnology