Bioremediation is the use of organisms like bacteria, Archea or fungi to metabolize pollutants. Instead of simply collecting the pollutant, bioremediation relies on living organisms to consume and break down the compound, turning it into a natural, harmless product. This technique is often used to help clean up major oil spills. Watch the following video and read the article link on fungi to learn more:

National Geographic. (2015, May 7). Oil-eating bacteria could be a solution to spill cleanups [Video file]. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/sPgLJrk0sGQ

Perry, W. (2012). Can fungi clean up a Superfund site? Retrieved from http://www.livescience.com/20573-fungal-cleanup-newtown-creek.html

Research a microbe or fungi that can be used in bioremediation and address the following questions in essay format:

1. Provide the scientific name and identification of the bacteria or fungi you chose that can be used in bioremediation. How is it classified? What is its normal environment? Give a brief description of the bacteria or fungi.
2. Is there a benefit to using either bacteria or fungi in bioremediation efforts? If so, Why?
3. How are bacteria or fungi being genetically modified to improve bioremediation?
4. What are some limitations to using bacteria or fungi for bioremediation?

Assignment Expectations

Organize this essay assignment using subtitles that summarize the topic from each question above. For example, use descriptive subtitles such as Introduction, Fungi in Bioremediation, etc.

Your essay should be approximately 1½–2 pages. Answer each question under the subtitle using complete sentences that relate back to the question. Be sure to use APA formatting throughout your essay, and use 1-inch margins, 12-point type and double spacing. Include a title page, an introduction, answers to the questions with subtitles, and a concluding paragraph. Remember to include in-text citations within the body of the essay referencing your resources (e.g., Murray, 2014). Also, be sure to include a reference section at the end of your assignment listing all required readings and any additional resources you used to complete your essay. A helpful guide to writing a quality essay can be found in Writing Tips. The Student Guide to Writing a High-Quality Academic Paper also provides links to example essays written within APA format.

Direct quotes should be limited and must be designated by quotation marks. Paraphrased ideas must give credit to the original author, for example: (Murray, 2014). Direct copying from “homework help” websites will not receive credit. Once you have completed your assignment within a Word document, please upload your final version to the Case 4 Dropbox. Please also note your Turnitin originality score and make revisions as needed. Please contact your instructor with any questions.