natural attenuation

Natural attenuation refers to the natural processes that help reduce pollution in the environment without human intervention. These processes can include the breakdown of contaminants by microorganisms, dilution through water movement, and chemical reactions that change harmful substances into safer forms. For example, in groundwater, bacteria can effectively degrade pollutants, making the water cleaner over time. Natural attenuation can be a sustainable and cost-effective way to address environmental contamination, often considered when evaluating cleanup strategies for polluted sites. However, it takes time and may not be suitable for all types of pollutants or situations.