A process called bio-remediation, in which microscopic bacteria clean contaminated soil and water, is proving useful as a method of protecting the environment. Ryuichiro Kurane, chief of the bacteria function department at the Industrial Science and Technology Agency, and Toshihiro Hoaki, vice section chief of Taisei Corp.'s natural environment department, delivered insights and updates on the subject at a recent Tokyo Techno Forum 21, held at Yomiuri-NTV Culture Center.