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Microbial and multi-omics approaches for bioremediation of emerging contaminants: environmental impact and future engineering solutions
Summary
This research review summarizes how scientists are using helpful microbes (bacteria, fungi, and algae) to clean up dangerous pollutants in our water and soil, including pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and microplastics that can harm human health. The study shows that these tiny organisms can naturally break down and remove many toxic chemicals from the environment. This matters because it could lead to cheaper, eco-friendly ways to clean up contaminated areas and protect our drinking water and food supply.
Emerging contaminants (ECs) are synthetic or naturally occurring chemicals that persist in aquatic and terrestrial environments and cause significant risks to ecosystems and human health. The review focuses on major classes of ECs, including pharmaceuticals, pesticides, industrial chemicals, microplastics, and heavy metals. It systematically examines microbial remediation strategies involving bacteria, fungi, and algae, emphasising their metabolic flexibility in biodegradation and detoxification mechanisms such as bioaugmentation, bio stimulation, and rhizoremediation. It also highlights recent advances in multi-omics technologies that uncover critical genes, metabolic pathways, and regulatory networks, enabling the engineering of microbial consortia for enhanced contaminant removal. The article provides a comprehensive synthesis of microbial taxa, mechanisms, and emerging biotechnological applications, offering novel insights into eco-friendly and sustainable solutions for the effective remediation of various emerging contaminants. The investigation stands out by explaining recent advances in microbial metabolic strategies combined with multi-omics insights for a holistic understanding and future directions in bioremediation of a wide spectrum of emerging environmental contaminants.