Some past projects include in situ mining, biodegradation, bioremediation, and bioleaching of ores. Halophiles contribute to the bioremediation of contaminants by converting xenobiotics into less toxic compounds. Genetically modified plants have been used for bioremediation of contaminated soils. Directed evolution of bacterial proteins related to bioremediation of radionuclides is also a field research. Bacterial extracellular polymeric substances can aid in bioremediation of heavy metals. Bacteria are also used for the bioremediation of industrial toxic wastes. Rhamnolipids are efficacious in bioremediation of organic and heavy metal polluted sites. This biological degradation is a process known as bioremediation. There is a possibility that hydrogenases have been responsible for bioremediation of chlorinated compounds. Some yeasts can find potential application in the field of bioremediation. Weathering and environmental factors play large roles in the success of bioremediation. The basic problem with bioremediation is the paucity of enzymes that act on them. As a result, "A. ferrooxidans" may be of interest for bioremediation processes. Rhodococci possess many properties that makes them suitable for bioremediation under a range of environments. Accordingly, it has the potential for a wide variety of capabilities and applications in bioremediation.