Discuss the Use of Biological Organisms to Remove Hazardous Contaminants

question 33

Essay

Discuss the use of biological organisms to remove hazardous contaminants. Give specific examples of types of organisms that can be used and the contaminants they can clean up. Identify two advantages of using living organisms and two problems associated with using this method.

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Definitions:

Seawater

The saltwater that makes up the oceans and seas, covering more than 70% of the Earth's surface, containing various salts and life forms.

Silica-rich Organisms

Organisms that produce silica (silicon dioxide) as part of their structure, such as diatoms and certain sponges.

Cross Bed Formation

The structures within sedimentary rocks that result from angled deposition due to wind or water currents, indicating the direction of flow.

Sediment Composition

The makeup or content of material particles that accumulate on the Earth's surface, which can range from organic matter to minerals and rocks.