Bioremediation: Key to Restore the Productivity of Coastal Areas

Abstract

Human activities particularly in the coastal areas resulted in pollution of different kinds. This seriously affected the entire coastal ecosystem. Most important pollutants are sediments, nutrients, heavy metals, and hydrocarbons. Removal of these pollutants and remediation of the contaminated/polluted soil and water assume greater significance to protect the environment and improve the productivity of the land. In this context, microbial assemblages, bioproducts, and higher plants are gaining increasing prominence for their potential in the remediation of contaminated coastal and marine ecosystems. The details of different methods used for bioremediation are discussed with case examples.