Genetic engineering in Bioremediation

Enhancing bioremediation—the process of using living organisms, usually microorganisms or plants, to cleanse and restore contaminated environments—is made possible in large part by genetic engineering. Scientists can improve or add particular metabolic pathways to organisms by genetic manipulation, increasing their capacity to degrade contaminants.

Natural microorganisms may not:

• Survive in highly toxic environments.

• Possess metabolic pathways to degrade synthetic or persistent pollutants (e.g., heavy metals, PCBs).

• Act fast enough to clean up spills or contamination.

Genetic engineering addresses these limitations by modifying or enhancing the microbes’ capabilities.

Examples of Engineered Organisms