Hi Celine, given the proven performance of active bio-remediation even in desert areas there is every likelihood that the potential to re-enstate the river to its original status can be achieved even though this may take a lengthy period of time. Note also that for the process to work effectively the organisms that will be introduced to facilitate the process must be indigenous to that habitat.

Thank you so much for answering, Sir! Your response has given me much hope in the cleaning of our river here in Marilao, Bulacan, Philippines. Several years ago, the Marilao River has been included in the list of dirtiest rivers in the world. As such, we are trying to find ways to restore our river. However, our efforts have led to no avail due to the unexpected rainfall and river flow causing various garbage dump from other areas (for our part of the river is the catch basin) to go to the river, polluting it once again. Which leads me to my question, Sir, has there been any ways in which bioremediation could work withstanding the effect of river dynamics and flow? Again, thank you so much Sir!

Hi Celine the variation in the dynamics of the river tributaries makes your question more interesting. In order to ensure effective bio-remediation first a critical understanding of the dynamics and flow regimes of the other rivers that feed into your catchment River needs to be harnessed. Drawing inferences from the attending regimes you can then resolve to using the organisms with the shortest adaptation period in order to ensure that the process commences prior to any other disruption following the dynamics of the other rivers. I trust that even though this process may be slow at the onset once the right set of organisms are deployed a gradual but certainly active bio-remediation process will set in naturally.

I would tend to think that rivers always have the potential of self healing, provided the influx of high organic load and contaminants stops. Therefore I would give bioremediation of the surrounding landscape a priority to avoid influx of contaminants during strong rainfall.

Thank you so much, Doctors! :) Your answers are truly appreciated. Mentioning the concept of 'self-healing' really made my eyes open to the possibility of bioremediation to restore rivers, and other areas in the world. It really could serve as one of the keystones in gradually conserving our planet's health through ecological ways and solutions. Thank you! :)

Ms. Guillermo, I will recommend to you Dr. Izumi Watanabe (e-mail: [email protected]) of Laboratory Environmental Toxicology, Tokyo University Agriculture Technology (TUAT).  He came to Tacloban City last June to study the effect of Typhoon Yolanda to biodiversity.  If you pursue your research interest, I think he can help you lot.  If you want to broaden your research area, you may visit our region.  Just inform our office at Eastern Visayas State University, Tacloban City (telefax: 053-321-1084).