What is bioremediation?

Bioremediation is specifically defined as the process of using microorganisms to remove or neutralize contaminants from the environment, particularly in soil and water. This technique leverages the natural metabolic pathways of bacteria, fungi, and plants to degrade pollutants into less harmful substances. Microorganisms can effectively break down a wide range of organic and inorganic compounds, including heavy metals, pesticides, and petroleum products, making bioremediation a critical strategy in addressing environmental contamination.

The other choices do not accurately describe bioremediation. For instance, creating new living organisms pertains to genetic engineering and synthetic biology, while enhancing plant growth concerns agricultural practices rather than pollution removal. Similarly, breeding disease-resistant crops is a separate agricultural biotechnology strategy focused on crop resilience rather than the detoxification of environments. Therefore, the focus on microorganisms removing pollutants clearly identifies bioremediation as a crucial process in environmental management.