Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Physical removal refers to the act of physically removing or eliminating a particular substance, organism, or pollutant from an environment through manual means.
Related terms
Mechanical Control: Mechanical control is a related term that involves using machinery or tools to physically remove pests or invasive species. For example, using traps to catch and remove rodents from an area.
Harvesting: Harvesting is another related term that refers to the process of gathering crops or natural resources from an ecosystem for human use. It involves physically removing plants or animals in a controlled manner.
Dredging: Dredging is the process of removing sediment, debris, or pollutants from bodies of water by scooping them out with special equipment. It is a form of physical removal used to maintain navigable waterways and restore aquatic habitats.