Focus on Bioremediation

Bioremediation is a term for a number of microbiological processes that degrade waste materials and pollutants into harmless by-products such as water, carbon dioxide and salt. It is essentially the same process that occurs in garden composting. By identifying and isolating naturally occurring bacteria or fungi that degrade specific substances, scientists can promote their growth or genetically enhance them to eliminate specific contaminants. Genetic engineering techniques could also be implemented to enhance the biodegrading activities of organisms at contaminated sites.

The United States has a large number of identified polluted areas, including land, fresh water, and marine sites that must be cleaned up. Cost estimates for the cleanup of federal lands alone may be as much as $450 billion. The extent of contamination in agricultural acreage, mining areas, industrial sites, aquifers and other bodies of water is unknown, but the magnitude of the problem is large and the cleanup expense could be astronomical.

It has been estimated that cleanup costs for Federal and non-federal lands could cost $1.7 trillion using conventional approaches. In addition, these approaches produce hazardous waste bi-products and thereby impose further cleanup and environmental costs.

Bioremediation is an attractive alternative or supplement to conventional cleanup methods because it is an economically sensible approach with minimal environmental impacts. Bioremediation has been successful at many sites contaminated with petroleum products. However, is not always the first technology considered because contaminant degradation rates must be determined for individual sites. Improved evaluation capabilities would help stimulate wider use of this technology. Research also could lead to development of biotechnologies to remediate areas contaminated by metals, pesticides, radioactive elements and other toxic materials.

These types of studies are timely, as recent developments in biology have provided new tools and approaches for monitoring the environment and engineering organisms with the ability to degrade environmental pollutants. These developments have created unprecedented opportunities for significant scientific advances.

Ultimately, the EBI will benefit Cal Poly and the citizens of the Central Coast. The environmental impact of oil and solvent spills that have occurred on the Central Coast are important issues, and long-term environmental remediation and restoration efforts will be required. Cal Poly, with its "Learn by Doing" philosophy can take advantage of this natural laboratory to engage students and scientists in this real life situation. Our students will benefit by increasing their value to companies and communities in similar situations in places around the world. The Central Coast community will benefit from the positive impact that joint efforts between business and academia can have on both the economy and the environment.