A method of cleaning up contaminated soil or groundwater by introducing or stimulating the growth of naturally occurring microbes in the contaminated area. Certain types of tiny microbes eat hydrocarbons. When microbes in a contaminated area are of the proper type, they will consume oily compounds in the soil and water.

Cleaning up a contaminated site through use of bioremediation is a lengthy process. Moreover, it is a process that is not always successful.

To work properly, bioremediation requires that the right kind of microbes be present or be introduced into the contaminated site, that the microbes be provided with adequate nutrients as they perform their clean-up work, and that the microbes reach the contaminated areas.