In environmental science, what does "remediation" mean?

Remediation refers specifically to the process of cleaning up contaminated sites, which is crucial for restoring the environment and protecting public health. This involves various techniques aimed at removing pollutants from soil, groundwater, and other environmental media. For instance, remediation may include methods such as excavation of contaminated soil, bioremediation using microorganisms to degrade pollutants, or chemical treatments that neutralize toxic substances.

Understanding this definition is essential, as remediation plays a vital role in addressing environmental damage caused by industrial accidents, improper waste disposal, and other forms of contamination. The goal is to return land or bodies of water to a state that is safe for human health and the environment.

The other choices reflect different concepts related to environmental science. Building new natural habitats pertains to restoration ecology rather than remediation. Managing natural resources for industrial use connects more with resource management and sustainable practices. Lastly, assessing potential environmental impacts is aligned with environmental impact assessments, which evaluate the effects of a proposed project rather than directly addressing contamination issues.