Which of the Following is a Specific Example of Bioremediation

Question

Which of the following is a specific example of bioremediation?
A) the purification of water for drinking
B) the treatment of wastewater
C) the treatment of sludge
D) the degradation of crude oil spilled along the Alaska coastline
E) acid mine drainage

Accepted Answer

Bioremediation is the use of microorganisms to break down pollutants and contaminants in the environment. The degradation of crude oil spilled along the Alaska coastline is a specific example of bioremediation because microorganisms were used to break down the oil and clean up the environment. The other options are not specific examples of bioremediation. Purification of water for drinking and treatment of wastewater and sludge involve various treatment processes that may or may not involve microorganisms. Acid mine drainage is usually treated with chemicals and physical methods, not microorganisms.