Bioremediation through Rhizosphere Technology

It has long been recognized that microorganisms have distinct and unique roles in the detoxification of polluted soil environments and, in recent years, this process has been termed bioremediation or bioreclamation. The role of microorganisms and their limitations for bioremediation must be better understood so they can be more efficiently utilized. Application of the principles of microbial ecology will improve methodology. The enhancement of microbial degradation as a means of bringing about the in situ clean-up of contaminated soils has spurred much research. The rhizosphere, in particular, is an area of increased microbial activity that may enhance transformation and degradation of pollutants. The most common methods to stimulate degradation rates include supplying inorganic nutrients and oxygen, but the addition of degradative microbial inocula or enzymes as well as the use of plants (phytoremediation) should also be considered.