Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

bioremediation

noun
  1. the use of plants to extract heavy metals from contaminated soils and waterAlso called: phytoremediation
Show More
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
bioremediation in Science

bioremediation

[bī′ō-rĭ-mē′dē-ā′shən]
  1. The use of biological agents, such as bacteria, fungi, or green plants, to remove or neutralize contaminants, as in polluted soil or water. Bacteria and fungi generally work by breaking down contaminants such as petroleum into less harmful substances. Plants can be used to aerate polluted soil and stimulate microbial action. They can also absorb contaminants such as salts and metals into their tissues, which are then harvested and disposed of.♦ The use of green plants to decontaminate polluted soil or water is called phytoremediation.
Show More
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
bioremediation in Culture

bioremediation

[(beye-oh-ri-mee-dee-ay-shuhn)]

The use of certain biological agents, especially bacteria, to remove or neutralize contaminants from polluted soil or water.

Show More
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.