How can bacteria be used to clean up pollutants?

Bacteria can be utilized in bioremediation, a process where microbial activity is harnessed to degrade or transform pollutants into less harmful substances. Certain bacteria possess the ability to metabolize toxic compounds, such as oil, heavy metals, and pesticides, breaking them down into benign byproducts. By introducing these bacteria into contaminated environments, such as oil spills or industrial sites, they can effectively reduce pollution levels and restore ecosystem health. This approach is often more sustainable and cost-effective compared to traditional cleanup methods.