Why in the News?
The Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) has announced a new advanced bioremediation initiative using enzyme solutions and biochar-based Bokashi balls to clean and restore Hussainsagar Lake, which has long suffered from algal blooms, foul odour, sewage inflow, and industrial pollution.
About Hussainsagar Lake
- A 16th-century artificial lake in Hyderabad.
- Faces severe pollution due to:
- Sewage inflow
- Nutrient overload (nitrates, phosphates)
- Industrial waste
- Problems: algal blooms, foul odour, low Dissolved Oxygen (DO), high Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD).
What Is Bioremediation?
- Definition: Use of microorganisms, enzymes, or biological materials to break down pollutants and restore ecosystems.
- Types relevant here:
- In-situ bioremediation – treating the lake onsite without removing water.
- Bio-augmentation – adding microbial cultures to enhance degradation.
- Aerobic/oxygenation systems – boost DO to improve water quality.
New Intervention Planned by HMDA
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Enzyme Solutions
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- Enhance microbial breakdown of organic pollutants.
- Help reduce nutrient load responsible for algal blooms.
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Bokashi Balls (with Biochar)
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- Bokashi = fermented organic matter rich in beneficial microbes.
- Biochar:
- Carbon-rich material produced from biomass.
- Increases microbial activity, absorbs toxins, improves water clarity.
- Purpose:
- Reduce algae, odour, pathogenic bacteria.
- Increase water transparency and DO levels.
| In the context of solving pollution problems what is/are the advantage/disadvantages of bioremediation technique? (2017)
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: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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