Microbial Functional Activity in Bioremediation of Contaminated Soil and Water

Since the beginning of the industrialization, application of chemical compounds on lands and disposal of contaminants to soil and water systems have caused numerous sorts of alterations in environment, and therefore affected the inhabitant biodiversity. This chapter aims to provide an introduction to bioremediation, an innovative multidisciplinary technology which employs microorganisms in order to reduce, eliminate, contain or transform hazardous contaminants in soil, sediment or water. So far, microorganisms and plants have been utilized to breakdown or transform several contaminants into less toxic forms. Main focus of chapter will be on several bioremediation techniques, employing indigenous microorganisms to decompose biodegradable pollutants in order to stabilize or to transform the contaminants into non-hazardous by-products. Besides, it will elucidate several factors effecting bioremediation process, involving energy source as a dominant necessity of microbial activity. Undoubtedly, bioremediation offers a greener pathway of remediation in comparison with wide varieties of conventional and artificial treatments.