In the context of solving pollution problems, what is/are the advantag

In the context of solving pollution problems, what is/are the advantage/advantages of bioremediation technique?

1. It is a technique for cleaning up pollution by enhancing the same biodegradation process that occurs in nature.
2. Any contaminant with heavy metals such as cadmium and lead can be readily and completely treated by bioremediation using microorganisms.
3. Genetic engineering can be used to create microorganisms specifically designed for bioremediation.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1 only

2 and 3 only

1 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2017

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The correct answer is C, stating that statements 1 and 3 are correct.

Bioremediation is a waste management technique that uses organisms, primarily microorganisms, to neutralize pollutants in a contaminated site by degrading them into less toxic or non-toxic substances. Genetic engineering can enhance the capabilities of these microorganisms for specific bioremediation tasks.

Statement 1 accurately describes bioremediation as enhancing natural biodegradation processes to clean up pollution. Statement 3 is correct; genetic engineering can be employed to develop microorganisms with improved pollutant degradation efficiency or resistance to toxic environments, specifically designed for bioremediation applications (e.g., genetically engineered bacteria). Statement 2 is incorrect. While bioremediation is effective for many organic contaminants, heavy metals like cadmium and lead are elemental and cannot be degraded by microorganisms. Bioremediation techniques might be used to immobilize or transform them into less mobile forms (e.g., through biosorption or bioprecipitation), but they are not ‘readily and completely treated’ by degradation.

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