Bioremediation and Environmental Sustainability in Nigeria

Abstract

Bioremediation is the use of microorganism metabolism to degrade or remove waste materials contaminants (sewage, domestic and industrial effluents) into non-toxic or less toxic materials by natural biological processes. The issue of environmental degradation through the disposal of domestic and industrial waste materials is assuming an alarming proportion in Nigeria. Wastes are dumped indiscriminately without considering the health and environmental implications. The present waste disposal and treatment method does not seem to solve the problem of environmental degradation the state is experiencing. There is need to seek alternative means of treating the contaminants. Bioremediation seems the best option. It is less costly and an environmentally friendly way of addressing the environmental issues arising from current waste treatment methods. This paper reviews some bioremediation technologies and their applications.