Final answer:
Bioremediation offers the advantage of breaking down hydrocarbons into less harmful substances such as carbon dioxide, water, and other compounds. It is cost-effective, efficient for inaccessible areas, and relies on the natural or engineered capabilities of microorganisms for pollutant degradation. Option 2.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main advantage of using bioremediation to remove hydrocarbon pollutants from the environment lies in the ability of hydrocarbons to be metabolized into products with considerably lower toxicity.
During the bioremediation process, prokaryotes, or microbial metabolism, play a crucial role in breaking down contaminants at the molecular level. In the context of oil spills, bacteria like Alcanivorax borkumensis can consume the hydrocarbons present in the oil, significantly reducing their impact on the environment.
These microorganisms degrade hydrocarbons into carbon dioxide and water, as well as other compounds that are far less harmful than the original pollutants.
Besides environmental benefits, bioremediation offers cost and efficiency advantages. It is often less expensive than mechanical cleanup methods like excavation or incineration as it can be employed in areas that are difficult to access and reduces the need for disruptive 'pump and treat' methods.
Furthermore, bioremediation utilizes naturally occurring or engineered microorganisms to optimize the cleanup process.
For instance, up to 80 percent of the nonvolatile components in oil can be degraded within a year under ideal conditions, and even toxic metals like selenium and mercury can be transformed into less toxic forms by specific bacteria. Option 2.