Biotechnological approaches for environmental remediation and pollution control are making significant strides in addressing environmental challenges.

Bioremediation is a key technique, utilizing microorganisms to degrade pollutants. Bacteria and fungi can metabolize harmful substances, such as hydrocarbons from oil spills or heavy metals from contaminated soil. Advanced methods involve engineering microbes to enhance their degradation capabilities, making the process more efficient.

Phytoremediation uses plants to absorb, accumulate, and detoxify pollutants from soil and water. Some plants, known as hyperaccumulators, have the unique ability to extract heavy metals and other contaminants from the environment. These plants are harvested once they reach a certain level of contamination, providing a sustainable method for cleaning up polluted areas.

Mycoremediation leverages fungi to decompose organic pollutants and heavy metals. Fungi, especially mushrooms, can produce enzymes that break down complex pollutants into less harmful substances. This method is particularly useful for cleaning up contaminated soils and industrial waste sites.

Bioaugmentation involves adding specific strains of microorganisms to contaminated environments to enhance natural degradation processes. These microorganisms are selected for their ability to break down particular pollutants, improving the efficiency of the remediation process.

Biostimulation works by adding nutrients or other substances to stimulate the activity of native microorganisms. This boosts their natural ability to degrade pollutants, making the cleanup process faster and more effective.

Enzyme-Based Remediation uses enzymes produced by microorganisms or plants to break down pollutants directly. For instance, enzymes can be applied to degrade pesticides or industrial chemicals in contaminated environments, offering a targeted approach to pollution control.