Why in the news?
- Unchecked waste disposal and pollution have forced India to take urgent action by using modern technologies like bioremediation to manage and reduce waste.
Bioremediation
- What is it?: It is a process involving naturally occurring or engineered microorganisms, bacteria, fungi, algae, or plants used to break down dangerous pollutants into harmless by-products.
- Types:
- In Situ Bioremediation: Treatment occurs directly at the contaminated site. e.g.: Oil-eating bacteria used over ocean spills.
- Ex Situ Bioremediation: Contaminated soil or water is removed, treated in a facility, and returned.
- Need for Bioremediation in India:
- Heavily polluted rivers (Ganga, Yamuna), Untreated sewage, and Toxic effluents, Oil leaks, Pesticide residues, Heavy metal contamination (Ganga)
- Traditional clean-up methods (thermal, chemical, mechanical) are costly, energy intensive and may lead to secondary pollution.
- Indian Progress in Bioremediation:
- Department of Biotechnology (DBT) Encourages academia–industry partnerships and supports projects through the Clean Technology Programme.
- CSIR–NEERI has a mandate to develop & implement bioremediation programmes nationwide.
- Start-ups offer microbial formulations for wastewater and soil cleaning fostering commercial adoption.
- Research Innovations:
- IIT researchers developed a cotton-based nanocomposite to clean oil spills.
- Scientists have identified bacteria capable of degrading soil pollutants.
- Challenges:
- No unified national standards for bioremediation
- Risks arise especially with genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
- Weak biosafety guidelines and Limited trained personnel
- Way Forward:
- Establish a National standard and protocol for Bioremediation practices.
- Promote R&D in Bioremediation and Microbial banks
- Integration with Urban waste management as well as Industrial Effluent treatment plants.
- Strengthen regulatory approvals for startups and incentivise Local Bodies for their adoption.
Source: The Hindu