Final answer:
Microbial bioremediation is the process where microorganisms metabolize and degrade hydrocarbon pollutants, which can include enhanced bioremediation techniques such as adding nutrients or specific microbes to contaminated sites.
Step-by-step explanation:
The use of microorganisms to degrade or metabolize hydrocarbon pollutants is called microbial bioremediation. This process involves various types of microorganisms that use their metabolic pathways to breakdown or incorporate pollutants into their biomass, ultimately helping to remove harmful substances from the environment.
Examples of this include the cleanup of oil spills, where microorganisms such as Alcanivorax borkumensis play a key role by producing surfactants that help in breaking down oil compounds, or bacteria such as Pseudomonas species that can convert hazardous substances like mercury into non-toxic forms. Enhanced bioremediation techniques may include adding nutrients or introducing non-native microbes that are specifically adept at degrading contaminants.