BIOAUGMENTATION : A Bioremediation process

Bioaugmentation is the method of addition of exogenous microorganisms to increase the rate of degradation of a contaminant present in the contaminated sites.

1. BIOAUGMENTATION SUBMITTED BY :- NAME : Archita Bhattacharjee ROLL NO.: LS-61 PAPER : LS551- Biotechnology

2. INTRODUCTION Bioremediation is a branch of biotechnology that employs the use of living organisms, like microbes and bacteria to decontaminate affected areas. Bioaugmentation is an in-situ bioremediation process that involves the addition of microorganisms that have the ability to biodegrade recalcitrant molecules in the polluted environment. Addition of some  microorganisms improves the genetic diversity in the terms of gene pool and genetic capacity of the contaminated sites.

3. WORKING PRINCIPLES Bioaugmentation works by increasing the level of active microbes and microorganisms within the treatment environment . The process relies on the unique metabolic capabilities of microbes to target specific contaminants such as hydrocarbon, heavy metals or pesticides. At first, scientists isolate naturally occurring microorganisms. These microbes are then cultured and concentrated into a bioaugmentation product. Upon application to the contaminated site, the introduced microbes establish themselves and proliferate, utilizing the pollutants as a food source . As they metabolize the contaminants, they break them down into less harmful byproducts, effectively remedying the pollution .

4. MICROBES IN BIOAUGMENTATION Functional consortia of microorganisms with a high degradation activity can be isolated from contaminated sites, agricultural wastes, activated sludge, vermicomposting, and other sources which are characterized by a relatively high microbial biodiversity . Source: Research Gate

5. DIFFERENT TECHNOLOGIES USED

6. APPLICATIONS: WASTEWATER TREATMENT In the biological wastewater treatment method , b ioaugmentation can improve the overall treatment effect by introducing specific strains into the biological reactors increasing the pollutant removal  efficiency. T he introduced strains can directly degrade the target toxic pollutants, and protect other microorganisms in the system from toxicity inhibition so as to restore the system treatment activity . The special resistant microorganisms like Acinetobacter tandoii   could effectively remove Cd 2+  and Zn 2+  in wastewater containing heavy metal ions and aromatic hydrocarbons.

7. APPLICATIONS: SOIL POLLUTION Bioaugmentation improves the biodegradative capacities of contaminated sites by introduction of single strains or consortia of microorganisms with desired catalytic capabilities.  Bioaugmentation should be applied in soils (1) with low or non-detectable number of contaminant-degrading microbes, (2) containing compounds requiring multi-process remediation, including processes detrimental or toxic to microbes and (3) for small-scale sites on which cost of non-biological methods exceed cost for bioaugmentation.

8. ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES During intrinsic bioremediation, contaminants can ultimately be transformed to harmless by products like CO2, ethene, chloride and water. Bioaugmentation is subjected to natural and anthropogenic changes in local conditions. It is non-intrusive and allows continue use of infrastructure during remediation. Responsibility must be assumed for long-term monitoring and its associated cost, and the implementation of institutional controls. It does not involve generation or transfer of wastes. Time frames for complete remediation can be long. It is often less costly than other available remediation technologies. Changes in geochemical conditions could result in renewed mobility of stabilized contaminants. It is not subject to limitations imposed by the use of mechanized remediation equipment. Intermediate product of biodegradation can be more toxic than the original.

9. CONCLUSION Bioaugmentation holds significant promise for the future of various industries and environmental remediation efforts. Several strategies are being developed to make augmentation a successful technology particularly in soils without degrading indigenous microorganisms. These approaches involve the use of genetically engineered microorganisms and gene bioaugmentation. The enhancement of bioaugmentation may be also achieved by delivering suitable microorganisms immobilized on various carriers or use of activated soil.

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