This document describes the materials and methods used to isolate and enrich microorganisms capable of detoxifying environmental pollutants. Six different techniques are outlined for isolating microorganisms from sources contaminated with toxic heavy metals, hydrocarbons, oil, diesel, and the insecticide malathion. Samples are collected from polluted sites and enriched in media containing the contaminants. Microorganisms are then isolated on agar plates through serial dilution and purified through subculture and storage of pure colonies. The goal is to develop microbial cultures capable of bioremediating various environmental pollutants.