bioremediation
/ (ˌbaɪəorɪˌmiːdɪˈeɪʃən) /
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noun
the use of plants to extract heavy metals from contaminated soils and waterAlso called: phytoremediation
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Words nearby bioremediation
biopsychology, bioreactor, bioreagent, bioregion, bioregionalism, bioremediation, bioresearch, bioreserve, biorhythm, biorhythmics, BIOS
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Scientific definitions for bioremediation
bioremediation
[ bī′ō-rĭ-mē′dē-ā′shən ]
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.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Cultural definitions for bioremediation
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.
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.