In the context of solving pollution problems, what is/are the advantage/advantages of bioremediation technique ? 1. It is a technique for cleaning up pollution by enhancing the same biodegradation process that occurs in nature. 2. Any contaminant with heavy metals such as cadmium and lead can be readily and completely treated by bioremediation using microorganisms. 3. Genetic engineering can be used to create microorganisms specifically designed for bioremediation. Select the correct answer using the code given below :

Reference definitions identify bioremediation as using microorganisms to break down contaminants, directly answering the statement.

High-yield concept for environment/pollution questions: defines the core remediation approach and distinguishes biological methods from physical/chemical ones. Useful for explaining policy choices, technology comparisons, and case studies; master by memorising definition, typical agents (bacteria, fungi) and examples.

Ex-situ techniques explicitly aim to stimulate indigenous microbes and facilitate aerobic degradation — practical ways to 'enhance' natural processes.

Important for questions on remediation methods and waste management; connects theory to applied techniques and operational differences (in‑situ vs ex‑situ). Learn key techniques, objectives, and pros/cons to answer method-comparison and case-based questions.

Evidence highlights that only biodegradable compounds and specific biological processes are amenable to bioremediation.

Crucial for balanced answers and policy evaluation: explains when bioremediation is appropriate and its constraints. Useful in questions asking trade-offs, implementation challenges or technology selection; prepare by linking limitations to pollutant types and remediation outcomes.

Bioremediation acts on biodegradable contaminants, while the references classify heavy‑metal salts as non‑biodegradable.

High-yield for environment questions: distinguishing which pollutants microbes can degrade guides feasible remediation choices. Connects to waste management, pollution control policy and technology questions. Prepare by memorising pollutant classes (organic vs inorganic/heavy metals) and mapping remediation options accordingly.

Sources state bioremediation is limited to biodegradable compounds and is often compound‑specific and slower than other treatments.

Useful for evaluating remediation strategies in UPSC mains and ethics case studies — shows tradeoffs (time, scale, specificity). Link this to questions on technology choice, cost‑effectiveness and field implementation; practise comparing techniques (ex situ vs in situ) using pros/cons.

References highlight heavy metals as persistent pollutants and note their serious health effects (e.g., cadmium itai‑itai, lead neurotoxicity).

Frequently tested in environment and public health contexts — knowing persistence and health outcomes helps argue need for containment, removal, or engineered treatments rather than relying solely on biodegradation. Revise major heavy metals, sources, toxic effects, and appropriate remediation/management options.

Bioremediation is defined here as using bacteria/fungi to degrade pollutants and may involve introducing non‑indigenous microbes to sites.

High-yield for environmental science and GS papers: explains a practical pollution-control tool and links to policy (biotech deployment, field application). Questions may ask mechanisms, examples, or advantages/limitations. Prepare by studying definitions, case studies (e.g., oil spill cleanup), and distinctions between in situ/ex situ techniques.