This article discusses a topic not unfamiliar to AP Environmental Science students: Bioremediation. For those of us who have forgotten, bioremediation is defined as, "the use of biological organisms, usually microorganisms, to remove contaminants, especially from polluted water." This definition holds true, as bioremediation is being used for this very purpose in the Deepwater Horizon Spill that the article discusses. The bacteria work to dissipate the oil which damages the environment, and then consume the breakdown products for their own use. The process has shown successful thus far.
I see bioremediation as a highly beneficial manner towards dealing with ecological disasters such as oil spills. They correct the issue by harnessing the power of nature, not the artificial power of man. The only issue with employing the use of organisms in such a way is that it can often upset the delicate balance of food webs in complicated ecosystems. The paradigm for this unintended consequence is the Cane Toad, which was introduced as an invasive species to serve as an insecticide, but soon became more of a pest itself.
I think that the process of bioremediation is the best way to combat the oil spill. Even though it is probably not the most efficient way to clean up the oil, the man made machines produce an extreme amount of pollution and since the companies are already in trouble for hurting the environment due to the oil, they probably would want to stray away from those methods. I do not think that the bacteria becoming an invasive species is much of an issue. If it is controlled as it should be it wont hurt anyone.
ReplyDelete