Book Volume 2
Microbial Enzymes in the Bioremediation of Pollutants
Page: 1-37 (37)
Author: Flávia F. Magalhães, Maria I. Bonifácio, Ana M. Ferreira, Mara G. Freire and Ana P. M. Tavares*
DOI: 10.2174/9789815123524123020003
PDF Price: $30
Abstract
Environmental pollution has become a serious issue of concern across the
world. Intensive agriculture, industrialization, and consumerism have resulted in the
degradation of environmental quality. The presence of pollutants like fertilizers,
pesticides, persistent organic pollutants (PoPs), polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs),
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), heavy metals, synthetic dyes, etc. have not only
polluted soil, air, and water but also invaded the food-chain via bioaccumulation and
biomagnification, and have emerged as potential threats to various organisms including
humans. Several organisms, including plants, animals, and microbes, indicate the
presence of contaminants and environmental pollution. Among these, microbes have
emerged as one of the potential indicators of environmental pollution, as they are more
sensitive to trace levels of pollutants than plants/ animals/other organisms. The natural
abundance of these indicator microbes has given us an opportunity to monitor
environmental pollution before any major undesirable accidents occur. Based on these
microbial indicators, various easy and rapid biosensors have been developed to monitor
environmental pollution. Microbial indicators are the treasures of nature that have
immense potential to monitor and predict environmental quality for society's safe and
sustainable development.
Microbial Indicators for Environmental Pollution
Page: 38-68 (31)
Author: Rakesh Kumar Ghosh*, Ajoy Saha, Neethu Narayanan, Niranjan Kumar, B.S. Manjunatha and Deb Prasad Ray
DOI: 10.2174/9789815123524123020004
PDF Price: $30
Abstract
Environmental pollution has become a serious issue of concern across the
world. Intensive agriculture, industrialization, and consumerism have resulted in the
degradation of environmental quality. The presence of pollutants like fertilizers,
pesticides, persistent organic pollutants (PoPs), polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs),
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), heavy metals, synthetic dyes, etc. have not only
polluted soil, air, and water but also invaded the food-chain via bioaccumulation and
biomagnification, and have emerged as potential threats to various organisms including
humans. Several organisms, including plants, animals, and microbes, indicate the
presence of contaminants and environmental pollution. Among these, microbes have
emerged as one of the potential indicators of environmental pollution, as they are more
sensitive to trace levels of pollutants than plants/ animals/other organisms. The natural
abundance of these indicator microbes has given us an opportunity to monitor
environmental pollution before any major undesirable accidents occur. Based on these
microbial indicators, various easy and rapid biosensors have been developed to monitor
environmental pollution. Microbial indicators are the treasures of nature that have
immense potential to monitor and predict environmental quality for society's safe and
sustainable development.
Bioaugmentation for Pollutant Removal
Page: 69-101 (33)
Author: Charles Rashama*, Joshua Gorimbo, Grace N. Ijoma, Clayton Bhondayi and Tonderayi S. Matambo
DOI: 10.2174/9789815123524123020005
PDF Price: $30
Abstract
Environmental pollution management through conventional methods in the
wake of new, recalcitrant, and increasing pollutant loads are no longer adequate or
sustainable. Bioaugmentation for pollutant removal is an environmental (water and
soil) decontamination approach alternative to the popular and traditional physicochemical methods. Despite bioaugmentation’s attractiveness based on being greener
than the traditional methods, there are still several bottlenecks towards operating some
bioaugmented processes optimally. Most bioaugmentation problems arise during
upscaling successful lab-scale trials to industrial operations. In most cases, the
bioaugmented micro-organisms survive for just a short span of time before their
populations decrease prior to completion of the pollutant removal task. Research on
various aspects meant to address this and other bioaugmentation challenges has been
partly successful and such efforts are still ongoing. As part of evaluating and
optimising bioaugmentation processes, sustainability concepts should always be
considered at every stage of these activities. The application of bioaugmentation
techniques is also gaining popularity in other industries, such as biogas production.
Bioremediation by Microalgae: Current Progress and Future Perspectives
Page: 102-134 (33)
Author: Abdalah Makaranga, Kashif M. Shaikh, Asha A. Nesamma and Pannaga P. Jutur*
DOI: 10.2174/9789815123524123020006
PDF Price: $30
Abstract
Environmental pollution management through conventional methods in the
wake of new, recalcitrant, and increasing pollutant loads are no longer adequate or
sustainable. Bioaugmentation for pollutant removal is an environmental (water and
soil) decontamination approach alternative to the popular and traditional physicochemical methods. Despite bioaugmentation’s attractiveness based on being greener
than the traditional methods, there are still several bottlenecks towards operating some
bioaugmented processes optimally. Most bioaugmentation problems arise during
upscaling successful lab-scale trials to industrial operations. In most cases, the
bioaugmented micro-organisms survive for just a short span of time before their
populations decrease prior to completion of the pollutant removal task. Research on
various aspects meant to address this and other bioaugmentation challenges has been
partly successful and such efforts are still ongoing. As part of evaluating and
optimising bioaugmentation processes, sustainability concepts should always be
considered at every stage of these activities. The application of bioaugmentation
techniques is also gaining popularity in other industries, such as biogas production.
Bioremediation using Genetically Engineered Microorganisms
Page: 135-156 (22)
Author: Amal I. Hassan and Hosam M. Saleh*
DOI: 10.2174/9789815123524123020007
PDF Price: $30
Abstract
The applications of biotechnology, especially genetic modification, are
varied and concern multiple fields, as they can provide appropriate and radical
solutions to many problems of agriculture, the environment, and human and animal
health. The promoters of these technologies present them as the best and only solution
to the problems of famine in the world in the twenty-first century, especially in
underdeveloped and developing countries. The astonishing development of crops in
developed countries is mainly due to the introduction of massive genetic improvement
programs with intensive agricultural systems (irrigation, fertilizers, health care) until
the matter in these countries reach genetically modified products.
In this chapter, we will present the importance of the techniques of genetic mutation of
micro-organisms and the negative effects of genetically modified species and products
for experts, decision-makers, and decision-makers to protect human, animal, and plant
health. We will also shed light on the future of these genetically modified organism -
based treatments.
Microbial Degradation of Agricultural and Food Wastes into Value-Added Products
Page: 157-198 (42)
Author: Awais Ali Aslam, Maria Shamim, Muhammad Shahid Nazir*, Osama Kokab, Maham Miran, Majid Niaz Akhtar, Zulfiqar Ali, Zaman Tahir and Mohd. Azmuddin Abdullah*
DOI: 10.2174/9789815123524123020008
PDF Price: $30
Abstract
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), one-third of the
food produced globally for human consumption is lost within the food supply chain. In
many countries, food and agricultural wastes are dumped in landfills. Plastic wastes
from agriculture have become a major concern, especially with increasing pollution
associated with the microplastics and nanoplastics in the ocean and marine ecosystem.
Microbial biodegradation of the agricultural wastes and the conversion into valueadded products could meet the economic and environmental demands to reduce land
pollution, whilst benefiting from the generated products. Furthermore, energy together
with other combustible municipal wastes can be recovered. Food wastes have attracted
much interest for conversion into bioenergy such as biogas, hydrogen, ethanol, and
biodiesel, and the residues are further used as animal feed or fertilizer. This review
highlights the use of plastics in agriculture, their disposal, and degradation. Factors
affecting biodegradation are also discussed. The production of bioenergy from agrowaste and food waste is elaborated.
Bioremediation of Environmental Contaminants and Their Impact on Food Safety in the Food Production Chain
Page: 199-223 (25)
Author: K. Lebelo*, M.J. Mochane*, N.J. Malebo and M. Masinde
DOI: 10.2174/9789815123524123020009
PDF Price: $30
Abstract
Bioremediation is critical in eliminating and controlling environmental
contaminants in the ecosystem. This is crucial in the food industry where pollutants are
vast. The industry is moving towards novel sustainable food safety strategies and
techniques. Also, the nature-based solution should be at the forefront of innovations in
the food industry. This paper focuses on the application of bioremediation techniques
on chemical environmental contaminants and how the pollutants enter the food
production chain. Moreover, the impact of pollutants and the food safety risks on
humans and agricultural land are discussed.
Bioremediation in Food Waste Management
Page: 224-252 (29)
Author: Letícia Dutra Minozzo, Maria Luisa Cerri, Naiana Cristine Gabiatti, Paula Fernandes Montanher, Eduardo Bittencourt Sydney and Andréia Anschau*
DOI: 10.2174/9789815123524123020010
PDF Price: $30
Abstract
A growing population implies an increasing demand for food. Consequently,
the processing industry related to it generates large amounts of waste. This problem
arose due to the delayed development in establishing effective and advanced waste
management technologies, which must be developed and used to lower the cost of
producing processed foods and minimizing pollution risks. Recent studies on the
valorization of residues in the food chain have focused on obtaining value-added
products such as biofuels, enzymes, bioactive compounds, biodegradable plastics, and
nanoparticles. Regulatory agencies and the food processing industries can work
together to develop new waste management and use processes that are commercially
viable. This chapter presents an introduction to bioremediation and management of
various residues from the food industries (beverages, dairy, fruit, vegetables, oil and
meat), as well as some characteristics, advantages, and limitations of some methods.
New possibilities for using food waste are also described.
Treatment of Distillery Wastewater by Bioremediation Technique: A Green and Sustainable Alternative
Page: 253-283 (31)
Author: Shagufta Jabin* and J.K. Kapoor
DOI: 10.2174/9789815123524123020011
PDF Price: $30
Abstract
Distillery industries generate a considerable amount of wastewater, having a
high percentage of inorganic matter and organic compounds. Wastewater generated
from distillery industries is dark brown in colour. Untreated wastewater from distillery
industries have an adverse impact on the sustainability of the environment due to its
high pollutant concentration. Hence, distillery industry effluent requires urgent
attention for the minimization of toxic waste generation. Several technologies used in
the elimination of pollutants from wastewater include physico-chemical and
bioremediation techniques. Bioremediation technique is a simple, economical, and the
most potential technique. Among bioremediation methods, anaerobic, aerobic, and
various kinds of phytoremediation processes have been discussed here. Further, the
removal of contaminants by bacteria, fungi, and algae has also been mentioned. A large
amount of sludge generation by the anaerobic process also needs attention and proper
management. It also outlines the mechanism of the decolourization of melanoidin by
microorganisms. The role of different bioreactors in bioremediation technique has also
been discussed in detail. Keeping in view the applicability of different bioremediation
techniques discussed here for removal of melanoidin high biological oxygen demand
(BOD), high chemical oxygen demand (COD), a heavy concentration of suspended
solids, polysaccharide, lignin, protein and waxes, it is expected that this technique can
be useful for further treatment in a variety of wastewater from distillery industries
Bacterial Resistance to Antibiotics in Groundwater. Impact to the Public Health
Page: 284-302 (19)
Author: S. Kanmani*, Niharika Singh, S. Selva Kumar and R. Gandhimathi
DOI: 10.2174/9789815123524123020012
PDF Price: $30
Abstract
Antibiotics are defined as medicines used for the prevention and treatment
of bacterial infections. They act as growth inhibitors or destroy the bacteria by
destructing the bacterial cell wall or inhibiting energy generation from glucose within
the cell. When bacteria adapt to resistance or develop the ability to resist the factors &
survive after being exposed to antibiotics, they become resistant to antibiotics.
Antibiotic resistance occurs due to several changes (physical, chemical, environmental)
or undergoing mutation in bacterial DNA. There are many ways through which
antibiotics may reach groundwater. The increased use of antibiotics leads them to
transfer from one place to another. They can be transferred from hospitals to humans
and from human waste to groundwater. Agriculture practices, poultry farming, and
industrial techniques also allow antibiotics to reach groundwater, which further affects
aquatic lives and also causes antibiotic resistance in bacteria.
Bioremediation of Pharmaceutical Waste
Page: 303-328 (26)
Author: Sinazo Z.Z. Cobongela*
DOI: 10.2174/9789815123524123020013
PDF Price: $30
Abstract
Industrial production of pharmaceutical products is rising simultaneously
with the increase in the world population and urbanization. They are vital in the
treatment, prevention and control of diseases. Although pharmaceutical products play a
pivotal role worldwide, their disposal and subsequent toxic metabolites are causing
havoc in the environment. Accumulation of these hazardous pollutants in the
environment increases the chances of reaching and affecting communities. The
potential toxicity of these compounds includes the ability to be mutagens, carcinogens
and genotoxins. Remediation methods currently available to rejuvenate nature from
such wastes are generally expensive and may convert one toxin to another. Therefore,
the use of microorganisms for the bioremediation of pharmaceutical and toxic waste
has become an economical and effective alternative. Bioremediation techniques further
detoxify the waste into useful or harmless products that can be beneficial to the
ecosystem
Antibiotics Bioremediation
Page: 329-356 (28)
Author: Patricia A. da Silva, Paola Lasta, Rafaela B. Sartori, Aline M. dos Santos, Leila Q. Zepka and Eduardo Jacob-Lopes*
DOI: 10.2174/9789815123524123020014
PDF Price: $30
Abstract
Antibiotics are in high demand across the world in a variety of industries .
The use of antibiotics has become a global threat, being called an emerging pollutant.
Thus, they are incorrectly disposed of in wastewater and their bioremediation becomes
indispensable. In this context, the objective of this chapter is to explore the
bioremediation of antibiotics. First, information was provided on the sources of
antibiotics in wastewater and their possible impacts on the environment and humans.
Then, the antibiotic removal process performed by microorganisms and microalgaebased processes was discussed, showing the factors that interfere with their
performance in the removal of antibiotics. Finally, future prospects for fostering
development in this area were analyzed.
Microbial Degradation of Sodium Polyacrylate Present in Diapers
Page: 357-372 (16)
Author: Deepa G. Muricken and Shinomol George*
DOI: 10.2174/9789815123524123020015
PDF Price: $30
Abstract
Sodium polyacrylate is widely used in many fields, including agriculture,
sanitary products, drug delivery, wastewater treatment plants, etc. Since
polyacrylamides (PAM) are produced and used in bulk quantities, they have higher
rates of mobility in the environment when polymers are degraded. They can create
potential challenges for water supplies as well as wastewater treatment plants, and
hence their disposal and degradation in nature is a significant issue. Various modes of
degradation include mechanical, chemical, photolytic, and biological methods. In the
biological model, microorganisms are used, either aerobic or anaerobic. Both bacteria
and fungi seem to contribute to this cause; however, the enzymology and detailed
pathway of their degradation steps are still being researched, and various hypotheses
are available. Although enzyme amydases are found to be involved, there are
speculations about the role of other enzymes as well. Various methods, including
fenton oxidation, low glucose exposure, zinc oxide, and UV irradiation, are tried to
enhance the biodegradation of polyacrylamide and polyacrylates. In this book chapter,
we have included our own preliminary study results in this area. Further studies are
required to fully elucidate the mechanisms and create a suitable consortium of
microorganisms.
Introduction
Increased industrial and agricultural activity has led to the contamination of the earth's soil and groundwater resources with hazardous chemicals. The presence of heavy metals, dyes, fluorides, dissolved solids, and many other pollutants used in industry and agriculture are responsible for hazardous levels of water pollution. The removal of these pollutants in water resources is challenging. Bioremediation is a new technique that employs living organisms, usually bacteria and fungi, to remove pollutants from soil and water, preferably in situ. This approach is more cost-effective than traditional techniques, such as the incineration of soils and carbon filtration of water. It requires understanding how organisms consume and transform polluting chemicals, survive in polluted environments, and how they should be employed in the field. Bioremediation for Environmental Pollutants discusses the latest research in green chemistry and practices and principles involved in the quality improvement of water by remediation. It covers different aspects of environmental problems and their remedies with up-to-date developments in the field of bioremediation of industrial/environmental pollutants. Volume 2 explains the methods used to control the remediation processes making it cost-effectively and feasible. It elaborates on the application of microbial enzymes, microalgae, and genetically engineered microorganisms in the bioremediation of significant pollutants, food wastes, distillery wastewater, and pharmaceutical wastes.