The process of bioremediation is a product of the advent of genetic engineering and manipulation, it attempts to solve real-world waste management problems using processes which are explained and justified by relatively recently unlocked knowledge of biology and biochemistry. As is seldom absent when science appears to be entering into uncharted territory, bioremediation’s application in various areas of the world, including Australia, has been met with a level of legal, scientific, and ethical scepticism. This report aims to explain the basic process of bioremediation, assess the state of its in Australia and pinpoint the aspects of bioremediation which have made it subject to controversy. Having done this, prominent arguments for and against the use of bioremediation will be presented, and after analysing these arguments using the knowledge of the science and application of bioremediation in Australia, the scientific merit, …show more content…
The main argument for bioremediation is its efficiency in terms of materials used. Basic pumps and other simple equipment may be needed for in-situ bioremediation, but the amount of heavy machinery used, and therefore the cost, would be lowered. (Vivaldi, 2001) As the procedure occurs mostly biologically, the amount of total work and resources from humans is therefore minimalised.
The ethical concerns over the modification of organisms, and humans “playing god” have been countered by the assertion that the impact that humanity is having on other organisms in environmental disasters far exceeds what occurs in bioremediation. (Lash & Raaymakers, 1991) In this case the role of the “creator” which is being argued against would be a better alternative than that of a destroyer, which is the effect which large scale environmental disasters have on the