Remediation Using Organism: A propitious Approach for Contaminated Soil

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Soil contamination, otherwise called soil pollution in simpler terms, is caused due to the presence of anthropogenic substances, majorly chemicals in the natural soil habitat. It is frequently caused by contaminants from industrial and agricultural activities or because of improper disposal of waste. Heavy metals like lead and arsenic; chemicals like pesticides, fungicides, insecticides and petroleum hydrocarbons are the most common chemicals involved in soil pollution. Soil pollution is now a global concern due to its impact on the environment and majorly human health. Industrialization, mining, and overuse of chemical fertilizers are the major causes of contamination of soil and pose a significant threat to the environment. One way to restore soil to its original state is soil remediation. It is the process of cleaning and reviving the soil with external help. It is the process of removing toxicants from the environment to protect the health of both the population and the environment. There are three major soil remediation techniques that are generally used - soil washing, bioremediation, and thermal desorption. Bioremediation is a method of using living organisms in remediating the soil that is, removing contaminants, pollutants, and toxins from the soil. Bioremediation includes the remediation of the soil by bacteria, yeasts, or fungi called mycoremediation. Remediation can also be brought about by mycorrhizal fungi which are associations of fungal species with roots of higher plants. Vermiremediation is the remediation of soil with the help of earthworms.