Understanding bioremediation: Healing Marinduque's mined lands

In March 1996, the quiet towns of Marinduque became the epicenter of news headlines when a mine tailings spill from the Marcopper Mining Corporation unleashed devastation across the province. Over two million metric tons of toxic mine waste flowed into the Boac and Makulapnit Rivers, poisoning farmlands, displacing communities, and leaving behind a toxic trail that lingered in the soil and the collective memory of the people.

- By JOHANNES L. CHUA

In a country long grappling with the consequences of unchecked mining, the Marinduque disaster served as a national awakening. Public consciousness shifted toward the harsh realities of environmental degradation and the long-term risks of irresponsible extraction. And while more than two decades have passed, the effects are still visible-dead lands, poisoned rivers, and lifeless rice paddies.

But now, science offers a heap of hope.

At the heart of this new optimism is a science-led solution known as bioremediation, championed by a multidisciplinary team from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB). Headed by microbiologist Dr. Asuncion K. Raymundo, the team is currently composed of plant biologist/physiologist Dr. Nina M. Cadiz, environmental forester Dr. Nelson M. Pampolina, plant nutritionist Dr. Nelly S. Aggangan, environmental chemist Dr. Veronica P. Migo, microbiologist Dr. Lorele C. Trinidad, chemical engineer Dr. Catalino G. Alfafara, agricultural engineer Dr. Fidel Rey Nayve, social forester Prof. Marlo D. Mendoza, sociologist Dr. Gloria Luz M. Nelson, plant ecologist Dr. Virginia C. Cuevas, microbial ecologist Dr. Charina Gracia B. Banaay, forester Julieta A. Anarna, sociologist Prof. Emerlinda T. Mendoza, and entomologist/environmentalist Dr. Merdelyn C. Lit.

Their pioneering work in Mogpog, Marinduque is proving that even the most damaged landscapes can be revived with the help of nature itself.

What is bioremediation?

"Bioremediation is a process that uses living organisms—like bacteria, fungi, and plants—to neutralize, transform, or remove pollutants from the environment," explains the UPLB Bioremediation Research Team (BRT). "These organisms either metabolize hazardous substances, breaking them down into less toxic or harmless compounds, or physically remove pollutants from the soil or water."