The question has no this or that as the best approach. Each is unique. e main difference between bioremediation and phytoremediation is that the bioremediation is the use of living organisms either to degrade, detoxify, transform, immobilize or stabilize environmental contaminants whereas the phytoremediation is the use of plants removal of contaminants. The use of either depends totally on the purpose and suitability

Please have a look at this useful RG link.

Chapter Bioremediation and Phytoremediation: Best Approach for Rehab...

I think that bioremediation followed by phytoremediation would be a better approach. Combined processes (hybrid process) is the new tendency in terms of technology for water/wastewater treatment.

Scientific experiments on real wastewater will determine the hypotheses.

The wastewater characteristics are a determining factor.

Best wishes,

Djamel

As mentioned above, bioremediation as well as phytoremediation are specific remediation techniques which can be employed under specific conditions existing on contaminated sites. It means that "the best approach" is governed by pollutant distribution, pollutant type, pollutant concentration, contaminated matrix (soil or groundwater at least), degree of polutant weathering and many more so that "the best approach" is higly site specific.

I would like notify, that phytoremediation is not use of plants for pollutant removal (as mentioned above), because in phytoremediation play very important role microorganisms forming rhizosphere in pollutant abatement. It means it is not a use of plants only.

Best regards

Vit

Deeksha - what type of contamination are you planning to remediate? Is the contaminant in water, sediments, or soil?

Hello Deeksha, As some of the previous answers says, the choice of process depends on the nature of pollutant and the field level application.

* Phytoremediation is in-situ process.

* Bioremediation can be used as both in-situ and ex-situ process.

The major bottle neck comes in the disposal of these sequestered metals (heavy metal remediation) or the by products generated (organic pollutants remediation) during this remediation process. Choosing a process that has lesser "secondary treatment/extraction steps" would be the efficient way of deciding on the choice of remediation approach.

Manobala. T

Bioremediation deals with the use of living organisms such as microbes and plants to remove contaminants, pollutants and toxins from soil and water.

For a better understanding it divided into the classic types :

• Microbial bioremediation uses microorganisms to break down contaminants by using them as a food source.
• Phytoremediation uses plants to bind, extract, and clean up pollutants such as pesticides, petroleum hydrocarbons, metals, and chlorinated solvents.
• Mycoremediation uses fungi’s digestive enzymes to break down contaminants such as pesticides, hydrocarbons, and heavy metals.

So as answered earlier by @ Abdelraouf A. Elmanama the use of either depends totally on the purpose and suitability.

Nice and informative discussion.

I agree with VIT and also to add that Bioremediation itself is so broad that it includes phytoremediation. So, it would be fine if you ask the difference between Microbial remediation vs phytoremediation. Both grow and carry out activities which may lead to degradation of uptake of chemicals and may be a mutualistic relationship too. So can't differentiate like this