Microorganisms play a crucial role in cleaning the environment by breaking down organic matter, decomposing waste materials, and eliminating harmful substances. They contribute to the natural recycling processes and help maintain the balance in ecosystems. Let's delve into the details of how microorganisms aid in cleaning the environment.

1. Decomposition of organic matter:
- Microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi are responsible for decomposing dead plants, animals, and other organic materials.
- They secrete enzymes that break down complex organic compounds into simpler substances, which can be utilized by other organisms.
- This decomposition process helps in the recycling of nutrients, making them available for the growth of other organisms.

2. Waste management:
- Microorganisms play a significant role in waste management systems.
- Sewage treatment plants utilize microorganisms to break down organic waste in sewage into simpler, less harmful substances.
- These microorganisms convert organic matter into carbon dioxide, water, and biomass, reducing the pollution load in water bodies.

3. Bioremediation:
- Microorganisms are used in bioremediation processes to clean up contaminated environments.
- Certain bacteria, fungi, and algae have the ability to break down or transform toxic substances into harmless compounds.
- They can degrade pollutants like oil spills, pesticides, heavy metals, and organic solvents, thereby restoring the ecological balance and reducing the environmental impact of these pollutants.

4. Composting:
- Composting is a natural process of converting organic waste into nutrient-rich compost.
- Microorganisms, particularly bacteria and fungi, break down organic waste materials such as kitchen scraps, garden waste, and animal manure.
- They convert these materials into compost, which can be used as a soil amendment, improving soil fertility and structure.

5. Nitrogen fixation:
- Some microorganisms, such as certain bacteria, have the ability to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form for plants.
- This process, called nitrogen fixation, helps in enriching the soil with nitrogen, an essential nutrient for plant growth.
- It reduces the reliance on chemical fertilizers, thus reducing the environmental impact associated with their production and use.

In conclusion, microorganisms play a vital role in cleaning the environment through their involvement in decomposition, waste management, bioremediation, composting, and nitrogen fixation processes. Their ability to break down organic matter, eliminate harmful substances, and recycle nutrients helps maintain a healthy and balanced ecosystem.

The microbes simply eat up contaminants such as oil and organic matter (e.g., waste food), convert them and then let off carbon dioxide and water. The process uses naturally occurring bacteria, fungi or plants to degrade substances that are hazardous to human health or the environment.