Microbial mechanisms as tools for monitoring and treating emerging contaminants in urban pollution: an overview

Emerging contaminants are molecules, either novel or previously recognized, that persist in the environment and may pose risks to ecosystems and human health. Their increasing occurrence, particularly in pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and industrial processes, has intensified research on their detection, monitoring, and ecological impact. Advances in analytical technologies now enable the identification of these compounds at trace concentrations, yet their long-term effects remain uncertain. This review compiles recent findings on microbial ecotoxicology, focusing on representative contaminants of high concern such as penicillin, parabens, caffeine, and microplastics. Microorganisms (bacteria or fungi) are highlighted both as sensitive bioindicators of environmental pollution and as active agents in biodegradation processes. Their ability to metabolize, transform, or neutralize contaminants underscores their potential as sustainable tools for remediation. By integrating evidence from multiple studies, we emphasize microbial-based strategies as promising tools for environmental monitoring and mitigation.