Microbial biotransformation

1. BIOLOGICAL TRANSFORMATION OF
POLLUTANTS
By:- Amrit Kumar Mandal
Roll no. 02
Manmohan technical university

2. DEFINITION:-
• Biological pollutant transformation refers to the process by
which living organisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and plants,
can convert pollutants into less harmful substances or
completely degrade them into harmless compounds. This
process, also known as bioremediation, is a natural way to
clean up contaminated environments and is often used in
environmental restoration efforts.

3. OR
Biological transformation of pollutants involves the role of
living organisms, primarily microorganisms, in breaking down
and converting pollutants into less harmful forms.

4. •Here’s a general description of how this process
works:
• 1.Uptake :- Microorganisms or plants take up pollutants from
their surroundings through processes like diffusion, active
transport, or enzyme-mediated uptake.
• 2. Metabolism:- Once inside the organism, pollutants can
undergo various metabolic reactions. Microorganisms typically
use enzymes to break down pollutants into simpler, less harmful
compounds. This can involve oxidation, reduction, hydrolysis, or
other chemical transformations.

5. 3.Assimilation :- Some organisms may assimilate the
transformed pollutants into their biomass, incorporating them
into their cellular structures or using them as a source of
energy.
• 4.Excretion or Release:- After transformation, the organisms
may excrete the transformed pollutants in a less harmful
form, release them into the environment, or store them in
their tissues.

6. • 5.End Products :- The end products of biological transformation
are often less toxic, more easily degraded, or less mobile in the
environment compared to the original pollutants.
• 6.Environmental Factors:- Factors such as temperature, pH,
oxygen levels, and the availability of nutrients can influence the
rate and efficiency of biological pollutant transformation.

8. IMPORTANCE OF BIOLOGICAL POLLUTANT TRANSFORMATION
• 1.Environmental Cleanup: It provides a natural and sustainable
method for cleaning up polluted environments without the need
for costly and energy-intensive remediation techniques.
• 2.Reduced Toxicity: Biological transformation often results in the
conversion of pollutants into less toxic or non-toxic forms,
reducing their harmful effects on ecosystems and human health.

10. • 3.Resource Conservation: Instead of removing pollutants from
the environment, biological transformation utilizes them as a
resource for microbial growth and metabolism, promoting the
conservation of resources.
• 2. Versatility: Biological transformation can be used to treat a
wide range of pollutants, including organic compounds, heavy
metals, and certain types of plastics, making it a versatile
remediation tool.

12. THANK YOU 😊😊