Concepts of bioremediation, bio augmentation and biosensors

Bioremediation uses microorganisms to destroy or immobilize waste materials. Microorganisms include archaea, bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes. Microorganisms destroy organic contaminants when they are using chemicals for their growth and reproduction. Although it is an old technique, it is still frequently used to remove environmental contaminants which have increased rapidly due to increased population, industrialization, and urbanization. There are various types of bioremediation, and different mechanisms associated with them. The process of bioremediation is enhanced by biostimulation. When bacterial culture is added to the contaminants to increase the rate of biodegradation, it is known as bio augmentation. Biosensors are devices used to detect the presence or concentration of a biological analyse, such as a biomolecule, a biological structure or a microorganism. This paper gives an idea of bioremediation, its scope, factors affecting bioremediation, types, biostimulation, bioaugmentation and biosensors.