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Streptomycetes
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This chapter reviews the potential of Streptomyces bacteria as a biological tool for environmental remediation, including the degradation of both conventional pollutants and emerging contaminants like microplastics and nanoplastics. Researchers examine the diverse enzymatic capabilities of streptomycetes, which naturally produce antibiotics, enzymes, and bioactive compounds useful for breaking down complex polymers and pollutants. The study highlights how this genus of actinomycetes could contribute to addressing plastic pollution through biodegradation.
Streptomyces is a versatile and highly adaptable genus of actinomycetes characterized by a cosmopolitan distribution, thriving in a wide range of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Members of this genus play pivotal roles in various ecological processes, such as the degradation of pollutants and complex polymers, nutrient cycling, and the production of bioactive compounds, including antibiotics and enzymes. These abilities have positioned Streptomyces strains as a key microorganism in natural ecosystems, contributing significantly to environmental sustainability and health. In recent years, the application of streptomycetes as a biological tool for the remediation of environmental contaminants has garnered significant attention in the field of environmental biotechnology. This chapter delves into the major sources of environmental pollution, which are increasingly impacting ecosystems and human health. Key sources of pollution, such as industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, and urban waste, are thoroughly examined for their contributions to the pollution of various environmental compartments including soil, water, and air. These sources introduce a wide array of contaminants into the environment, each posing a significant ecological threat. The ability of streptomycetes to degrade conventional pollutants, including heavy metals, hydrocarbons, and pesticides, is comprehensively examined. Additionally, the chapter considers emerging contaminants that are increasingly recognized for their potential ecological impacts. Notably, microplastics are highlighted as a pervasive environmental contaminant, presenting significant risks to aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. The chapter delves into the potential of Streptomyces strains to mitigate these contaminants, leveraging their unique metabolic pathways and enzymatic activities. Additionally, future research directions to enhance their effectiveness in environmental remediation are proposed. The insights gained from this chapter could pave the way for the development of innovative and effective bioremediation strategies, contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment.
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This review examines the role of actinomycetes — soil bacteria known for antibiotic production — in biodegradation of microplastics, identifying species with enzymatic degradation activity and discussing their potential for bioremediation applications.
Streptomyces as Potential Synthetic Polymer Degraders: A Systematic Review
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This systematic review examines how Streptomyces bacteria can break down synthetic plastics in the environment. These naturally occurring soil bacteria show promise for biodegrading plastic waste before it fragments into microplastics, which could help reduce the amount of microplastic pollution that eventually reaches our food and water.
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This review examines recent advances in using microorganisms to break down micro- and nanoplastics in the environment. Researchers highlight promising microbial strains and enzymatic pathways that may offer eco-friendly solutions to plastic pollution.
Microbial Biodegradation of Plastics and Microplastics: Enzymatic Mechanisms, Biotechnological Applications, and Ecotoxicological Perspectives
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This review examined the enzymatic mechanisms by which microorganisms degrade plastics and microplastics, covering biotechnological applications and ecotoxicological perspectives. Researchers found that certain bacterial and fungal enzymes can break down persistent plastic polymers, positioning microbial biodegradation as a promising sustainable remediation approach, though scalability and environmental deployment remain challenges.
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This systematic review examines how bacteria can be used to biologically break down microplastic particles. The researchers identified several bacterial species capable of degrading different types of plastics, offering a potential natural solution to microplastic pollution. Finding biological methods to break down microplastics could reduce the amount of these particles that accumulate in our environment and food chain.
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