REVIEW ON APPLICATION OF
MICROBES INBIOREMEDITION
INTRODUCTION
Pollution has become one of the most pressing issues
of the 21st century. Rapid industrial growth, intensive
agriculture, and uncontrolled use of fossil fuels have
resulted in large-scale contamination of natural
ecosystems. Hazardous substances such as
hydrocarbons, pesticides, chlorinated solvents, dyes,
and heavy metals persist in the environment for long
periods, causing bioaccumulation, loss of biodiversity,
and serious health risks in humans. The limitations of
traditional remediation methods have encouraged
scientists to explore biological solutions.
Bioremediation involves the application of living
microorganisms or their enzymes to clean up
contaminated environments. The concept is rooted in
the natural ability of microbes to metabolize organic
and inorganic substances. Microorganisms are
ubiquitous and play a fundamental role in recycling
nutrients through biogeochemical cycles. By harnessing
these metabolic processes, humans can reduce the
impact of pollutants in a sustainable way.
The first documented case of microbial degradation of
petroleum hydrocarbons dates back to the 1940s, and
since then, numerous successful applications have
been reported worldwide. Today, microbial
bioremediation is applied in oil spill clean-ups, sewage
treatment plants, detoxification of pesticides,
degradation of plastics, and immobilization of heavy
metals. With advances in molecular biology, synthetic
biology, and genetic engineering, the potential of
microbes in environmental restoration has expanded
enormously.
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY
Key principles include:
1. Microbial diversity – Different microbes possess
specific enzymatic systems that can degrade or
transform pollutants. For example, Pseudomonas
species degrade hydrocarbons, while Aspergillus
species degrade pesticides.
2. Environmental conditions – Temperature, pH,
oxygen availability, moisture, and nutrient levels affect
microbial activity. Bioremediation is most effective
when these conditions are optimized.
3. Bioavailability of pollutants – Pollutants must be
accessible to microbes. If pollutants are trapped in
sediments or strongly bound to soil particles, their
degradation may be limited.
4. Enzymatic pathways – Microbes use oxygenases,
peroxidases, dehalogenases, and other enzymes to
catalyze degradation. Both aerobic and anaerobic
pathways are involved.
3. Types of Bioremediation
Bioremediation can be broadly classified based on
where and how it is carried out:
3.1 In Situ Bioremediation
This involves treating the contaminated site directly
without excavation or removal of soil and water.
Examples include:
Bioventing – Supplying oxygen and nutrients into soil
to stimulate indigenous microbes.
Biosparging – Injecting air into saturated soil to
enhance microbial activity.
Phytoremediation – Using plants and associated
microbes to remove contaminants.
3.2 Ex Situ Bioremediation
Contaminated soil or water is removed and treated
elsewhere. Examples include:
Biopiles – Contaminated soil is piled and aerated to
enhance microbial activity.
Composting – Organic waste is decomposed by
microbial consortia.
Bioreactors – Controlled systems where microbes
degrade pollutants under optimized conditions.
3.3 Bioaugmentation and Biostimulation
Bioaugmentation involves introducing specialized
microbial strains capable of degrading pollutants.
Biostimulation involves adding nutrients (like nitrogen,
phosphorus) or oxygen to stimulate native microbial
populations.
3.4 Mycoremediation and Algal Remediation
Mycoremediation uses fungi, such as white rot fungi,
which produce lignin-degrading enzymes effective in
breaking down toxic compounds.
Algal remediation involves algae that absorb heavy
metals and degrade organic pollutants in wastewater.
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Role of Microorganisms in Bioremediation
1. Bacteria
Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Alcanivorax degrade
hydrocarbons and petroleum.
Desulfovibrio reduces heavy metals like uranium and
chromium.
2. Fungi
Aspergillus, Phanerochaete chrysosporium degrade
complex compounds such as lignin, pesticides, and
dyes.
3. Algae & Cyanobacteria
Absorb heavy metals and aid in wastewater treatment
Applications of Microbial Bioremediation
1. Oil Spill Degradation
Bacteria like Alcanivorax borkumensis consume
hydrocarbons in oil spills.
2. Pesticide Degradation
Flavobacterium and Pseudomonas break down harmful
pesticides in soil.
3. Heavy Metal Detoxification
Microbes immobilize or transform toxic metals like
lead, cadmium, and arsenic.
4. Plastic Waste Management
Ideonella sakaiensis can degrade PET plastics.
5. Industrial Wastewater Treatment
Mixed microbial consortia remove dyes, phenols, and
organic pollutants from textile and chemical industries
Advantages of Microbial Bioremediation
Environmentally friendly and natural process.
Cost-effective compared to chemical or physical
methods.
Capable of degrading complex and toxic compounds.
Restores ecosystem balance
Limitations
Some pollutants are non-biodegradable (e.g.,
radioactive waste).
Requires specific environmental conditions (pH,
temperature, oxygen).
Slow process compared to chemical treatments.
Risk of incomplete degradation and formation of toxic
intermediates.
Future Prospects
Use of genetically engineered microbes (GEMs) for
enhanced degradation.
Development of microbial consortia for multi-pollutant
treatment.
Integration with nanotechnology for improved
efficiency.
Expanding applications in climate change mitigation
(e.g., methane-eating bacteria).
CONCLuSION
Microbial bioremediation is a promising, sustainable,
and eco-friendly approach for pollution control and
environmental management. Although it has
limitations, advancements in biotechnology and
microbial engineering will continue to improve its
effectiveness. By harnessing microbial potential, we
can move towards a cleaner and greener future.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. Atlas, R. M., & Bartha, R. (1998). Microbial Ecology:
Fundamentals and Applications.
2. Singh, A., Kuhad, R. C., & Ward, O. P. (2009).
Advances in Applied Bioremediation. Springer.
3. Vidali, M. (2001). Bioremediation. An overview. Pure
and Applied Chemistry, 73(7), 1163–1172
