What is the term for using microbes to detoxify sites contaminated with heavy metals?

The term for using microbes to detoxify sites contaminated with heavy metals is bioremediation. This process involves the use of living organisms, particularly microbes, to break down or remove environmental pollutants. When it comes to heavy metals, certain microorganisms can either transform these toxic substances into less harmful forms or help in their immobilization, effectively reducing their harmful effects on the environment.

Bioremediation is a broader term that encompasses various techniques used to clean up contaminated environments, which can include soil, water, or other materials. This method is favored as it can be more environmentally friendly and cost-effective compared to traditional physical or chemical remediation techniques.

The other options refer to related but distinct concepts. Bioremoval generally refers to the removal processes employed by biological means but is not specifically tied to the detoxification of heavy metals alone. Biostimulation involves the enhancement of existing microbial activity via the addition of nutrients or other substances to speed up the degradation of pollutants but does not specifically involve using microbes for detoxification. Biosorption refers to the passive uptake of heavy metals by biological materials, like microbial biomass, but does not imply active detoxification processes inherent in bioremediation.