Oil spills could be cleaned up by bacteria from underground petroleum reserves
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چکیده
Some microorganisms are equipped with enzymes that allow them to degrade, and even live on, chemicals that other species find toxic. For example, many bacteria in the genus Rhodococcus are able to break down polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB), an industrial chemical and environmental pollutant linked to cancer in humans. In a process called ‘bioremediation’, humans can use these micro-organisms to break down hazardous chemicals and clean up contaminated environments.
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