Assistant professor of chemistry Dr. Randhir Deo makes his case for a unique disposal of highly toxic plutonium in his article in a recent edition of the peer-reviewed journal Biodegradation. Deo and co-author Bruce Rittmann argue for bioremediation, a process in which microorganism metabolism breaks down contaminants - which, in the case of nuclear waste sites, could clear radioactive pollutants from disposal sites. Plutonium, a key component in the first World War II-era atomic bombs, is found in hazardous waste from nuclear energy technology and weapons. Leaks can lead to cases of fatal poisoning.