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Article ? AI-assigned paper type based on the abstract. Classification may not be perfect — flag errors using the feedback button. Tier 2 ? Original research — experimental, observational, or case-control study. Direct primary evidence. Environmental Sources Remediation Sign in to save

A Comprehensive Review of Biofilm Composition and Factors Affecting Efficacy in Microbial Bioremediation

International Journal of Plant and Environment 2025 Score: 38 ? 0–100 AI score estimating relevance to the microplastics field. Papers below 30 are filtered from public browse.
Ligi Lambert D Rosario, Sona S. Dev

Summary

This review examines biofilm-mediated bioremediation, analyzing biofilm formation, structural diversity, and biochemical degradation pathways used to break down organic pollutants, heavy metals, microplastics, and pharmaceutical contaminants, while also discussing environmental factors and challenges such as antimicrobial resistance that affect biofilm efficacy in real-world remediation applications.

Biofilm-mediated bioremediation deploys the natural capabilities of microbial communities to remove environmental pollutants, offering a resilient and efficient means of pollutant degradation. This review highlights the critical role of biofilms in environmental pollution control, emphasizing their structural and functional attributes. Biofilms, complex assemblies of microorganisms, demonstrate superior capacity to absorb, immobilize, and degrade contaminants compared to planktonic cells. Key topics include biofilm formation, diversity, and the biochemical pathways utilized for pollutant breakdown. Applications include organic pollutant degradation, heavy metal detoxification, and the treatment of new pollutants such as microplastics and medications. Factors influencing biofilm efficacy, including environmental conditions and maturity, are examined alongside challenges such as resistance, stability issues, and limitations in large-scale applications. The utilization of genetically modified microbes, advancements in synthetic biology and biofilm engineering, and the combination of biofilm-mediated bioremediation with other technologies are the main topics of future research.

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