Bioremediation Principles

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What is the primary method of eliminating lighter fuel products, such as gasoline, from contaminated soil?

Biodegradation

Mechanical aeration

Vaporization (correct)

Fertilization

What is the purpose of liming in soil decontamination?

To introduce microorganisms to the soil

To de-acidify the soil (correct)

To replenish nitrogenous nutrients

To provide oxygen to the soil

What is the main challenge in removing contaminants from deeper layers of soil?

Difficulty in stimulating microorganism growth (correct)

Inability to pump contaminants out of the soil

Lack of oxygen in the soil

Insufficient nutrients in the soil

What is the purpose of ploughing or deep harrowing in agricultural methods of soil decontamination?

To aerate the soil and activate micro-flora Signup and view all the answers

What is bioextraction, in the context of soil decontamination?

A method of removing contaminants from deeper soil layers Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of screens in soil decontamination equipment?

To prevent the spreading of contaminants within the soil Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of planting grasses or papilionaceous plants on contaminated soil?

To assist the cleaning process Signup and view all the answers

What is essential to deliver to the soil in order to stimulate microorganism growth and decomposition of contaminants?

Both oxygen and nutrients Signup and view all the answers

What is a key consideration when selecting microorganisms for bioremediation?

Their ability to adapt to specific compounds Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the populations of microorganisms during the self-purification process?

They change Signup and view all the answers

Why is a mixture of microorganisms necessary for complete soil cleanup?

Because environmental contamination is composed of many compounds Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of utilizing mutated microorganisms in bioremediation?

To allow for more precise control over the process Signup and view all the answers

What is the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) a measure of?

The amount of oxygen used up by microorganisms in a specified time Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of inoculating the soil with microorganisms at the beginning of the purification process?

It increases the rate of bioremediation Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of the discharge of impurities into a water reservoir?

A sudden change in chemical, biological and physical conditions Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of growing microorganisms in a bioreactor before inoculation?

To increase the number of microorganisms in the soil Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for zones of various levels of organic pollution?

Saprobic zones Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of immobilizing microorganisms on a solid support?

To increase the stability of the microorganisms Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the levels of pollution in the zones formed during the self-purification process?

They decrease gradually Signup and view all the answers

What is typically included in a microbial culture for bioremediation?

A mixture of bacteria, nutrients, and a solid support Signup and view all the answers

What occurs in the area below the discharge of impurities?

The self-purification process begins Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to constantly improve the techniques used to allow microorganisms to adapt to new conditions?

To avoid problems related to the introduction of foreign organisms Signup and view all the answers

What type of organisms are typically found in periphyton?

Small algae, bacteria, and protozoa Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason why plants cannot grow at great depths in water?

Lack of light Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of bacteria and fungi in benthos?

They are responsible for decomposition of organic matter Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between benthos and periphyton?

Benthos is found at the bottom, while periphyton is found on underwater objects Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main groups of factors that influence the growth of microorganisms in water?

Abiotic and biotic factors Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of dead matter decomposition in benthos?

Formation of organic compounds Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of periphyton biocenosis?

It has a complex biocenosis Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason why oxygen-free putrid microflora develops in benthos?

Lack of oxygen Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the reasons why mixing of water is important?

It helps to equalize the osmotic pressure Signup and view all the answers

What is the main factor that influences the life of microorganisms in water?

Pressure Signup and view all the answers

At what rate does the hydrostatic pressure increase with depth in water?

1atm per 10m Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for microorganisms that occur at depths of 10,000m and can grow under great pressures and low temperatures?

Barophilic microorganisms Signup and view all the answers

What is the optimal pH range for water bacteria?

6.5-8.5 Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical pH of the surface layer of the seas?

8.2 Signup and view all the answers

What can cause the pH of water to increase significantly?

High level of insolation and rapid growth of photosynthesising organisms Signup and view all the answers

What type of microorganisms are inhibited when the pressure exceeds 200 atm?

Barophobic microorganisms Signup and view all the answers