... activation energy necessary to trigger the redox reaction is too great. Enzymes accelerate the redox reaction by lowering the activation energy, resulting in rapid contaminant degradation. Microbes that live in the soil and groundwater like to 'eat' certain harmful chemicals, such as those found in oil spills and gasoline, they use these chemicals as growth substances. When microbes completely digest the chemicals, they produce water and harmless gases such as carbon dioxide, which are then able to re-enter natural ecosystem. The use of enzymes or bacteria instead of chemical processes has the potential to reduce the use of feedstock and the energy required for the processes as lower temperatures are used. In addition the enzymes themselves are also biodegradable. In order for microorganisms to provide enzymes to break down the contaminant, the right temperature, nutrients (fertilizers) and amount of oxygen must be present in the soil and groundwater. These conditions allow the ...

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