7

Soil Microorganisms and Nematodes for Bioremediation and Amelioration

These aforementioned chemicals were distinguished by the low solubility

rate and high lipid solubility, which makes it possible for them to bioaccu­

mulate in animal fatty tissues and join the food chain (Mondal et al., 2019).

1.2.2 INORGANIC POLLUTANTS

Inorganic pollutants are typically chemical substances of salts and minerals

derived from manufacturing, mineral origin, such as metals, agricultural,

and domestic waste (Masindi & Muedi, 2018). These inorganic pollutants

are naturally occurring but reported to be transformed by human production

to increase their amount contained in the environment. Heavy metal toxicity

is one of the toxic components among the inorganic pollutants, and it is

a major threat to the food chain, which leads to major environmental and

health issues in the present modern society.

1.2.3 BIOLOGICAL POLLUTANTS

Biological pollutants are primarily the product of human activities and

have a significant effect on both aquatic ecosystems and the terrestrial. In

particular, it is the introduction of non-indigenous and xenobiotic species

(Masindi & Muedi, 2018). A wide diversity of pollutants is found in nature,

which can be classified as in Table 1.1.

1.3 APPROACHES FOR REMEDIATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL

POLLUTANTS

Apparently, bioremediation methods can be classified as in situ (at the site)

or ex situ (away from the site), taking into account the site of operation.

Some of the environmental factors to be considered while selecting any

bioremediation technique are listed in Table 1.2.

1.3.1 BIOREMEDIATION AT IN SITU

The bioremediation at in situ level signifies when there is detoxification

of the pollutant precisely where the pollution has occurred. The reme­

diation process does not need excavation or extraction of soil or water.