Microbial clean up strategy for polluted water

Abstract

The clean-up of contamination by biological agents is known as bioremediation. There are various microbes which have an ability to clear up the mess created by humans. Due to industrialization, toxic substances are added to the water inappropriately making it unfit for any other consumption. Many genetically modified organisms are used by many scientists against mercury, oil spills, radioactive wastes, etc. The microbes includes Rhodotorula rubra, Deinococcus-Thermus, Cunninghamella elegans, Cyathus bulleri and Actinobacteria, Cyanobacteria, Flavobacteria, etc. It is a better approach to clean the polluted water than other conventional methods as it is much cheaper, easy to handle and feasible for large water bodies. The process is very simple as the microbes will be introduced to the polluted water, and they feed on organic matter, oil spills, etc. to convert them into carbon dioxide and water. The multiplication also occurs in the same polluted water without any external source or efforts. The system does not require any construction or diversion of drainage flow; it does not require any skilled manpower. Microbes also help to restore the quality as well as self-cleaning capacity of water body; some are already existing in the same water as they are indigenous, whereas others can be introduced to the targeted sites. In a country like India, where the sewage system is not well developed, this technique will be highly beneficial as it will be carried out at a place where actually the problem is without the usage of any harmful chemicals.