bioremediation

noun

bio·​re·​me·​di·​a·​tion ˌbī-ō-ri-ˌmē-dē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce bioremediation (audio)
: the treatment of pollutants or waste (as in an oil spill, contaminated groundwater, or an industrial process) by the use of microorganisms (such as bacteria) that break down the undesirable substances

Examples of bioremediation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Soil remediation techniques implemented by GFL include solidification/stabilization, bioremediation, and thermal absorption. Kody Boye, USA TODAY, 14 Sep. 2024 Others have favored treating the ashes and debris using bioremediation — the use of microorganisms to break down pollutants — before they are put into the ground. Tom Hays, Washington Post, 11 Jan. 2024 Using plants for bioremediation is known as phytoremediation. Elizabeth Waddington, Treehugger, 19 July 2023 Cleaning Soil Certain mushrooms can also be used in ecosystem restoration and bioremediation. Elizabeth Waddington, Treehugger, 19 July 2023 Here are a few examples of bioremediation, which serve as illustrations of what can be done. Elizabeth Waddington, Treehugger, 19 July 2023 This is known as bioremediation. Elana Scherr, Car and Driver, 4 June 2022 Mushrooms as digesters Mushrooms have a unique ability to decompose organic matter as well as environmental pollutants via bioremediation [6]. Catherine Hu, Discover Magazine, 23 June 2015 Most of these bacteria had not been assessed for their potential for bioremediation before. Doug Johnson, Ars Technica, 2 Mar. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1986, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bioremediation was in 1986

Dictionary Entries Near bioremediation

Cite this Entry

“Bioremediation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bioremediation. Accessed 7 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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