Are Soil and Bioremediation in Focus of Sustainable Green Chemistry and Engineering?

Abstract

Usually the interest in, investigation of, development and application of principles of green chemistry and engineering are directed towards concrete chemical substances and processes and the same applies to fuels as one of key resources for the survival of civilization. On the other hand, soil is the most dynamic four-stage (solid-liquid-gaseous-biological stage) ecosphere which is essential for the provision of food to the ever-growing population of our planet. At the same time, soil is exposed to all forms of devastation, including extensive and heavy pollution by a variety of dangerous substances, among which components of oil and oil derivatives are the most frequent pollutants. Also, spontaneous paedogenesis is the slowest process by far in comparison to the anthropogenic devastation of soil. The application of non-pathogenic microorganisms (plants to a smaller extent and an insignificant number of animals) for biological transformations and decontamination of the polluted soil and the disintegration of pollutants under the controlled conditions are bioremediation procedures that most often result in the complete mineralization, producing clean soil and soilfield material with consortia of microorganisms and humic substances that are fundamental for fertility. Bioremediation is a (bio)technology which is compatible with all the principles of green chemistry and engineering and it is sustainable since it conserves and generates the soil as a - resource.