| Contributors: |
Rahman, Md Abdur; Dey, Biplob; Halim, Md Abdul; Ahmed, Romel; Abdel Latef, Arafat Abdel Hamedand Zayed, Ehab M.and Omar, Ahmad Alsayed |
| Description: |
Microbial remediation has emerged as a paramount strategy in addressing environmental pollution and mitigating climate change impacts. This chapter explores the dynamic interplay between pollutants, microbial communities, and climate change, emphasizing the critical role of microbial remediation in restoring ecosystems. Environmental pollutants, including heavy metals, microplastics, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), not only degrade ecosystems but also exacerbate climate change by altering atmospheric and terrestrial processes. Microbial remediation uses the natural metabolic capabilities of diverse microorganisms---bacteria, fungi, archaea, and algae---to degrade, detoxify, or immobilize these contaminants, offering a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to conventional methods. This chapter delves into mechanisms of microbial action, such as biodegradation, bioaccumulation, and enzyme transformation, highlighting how these processes can be optimized under varying environmental conditions. Factors such as temperature, pH, moisture, and nutrient availability critically influence microbial efficacy, necessitating tailored interventions to enhance performance. Advanced techniques, including bioaugmentation, biostimulation, and genetically engineered microbes, are discussed as promising approaches to improve resilience and efficiency against complex environmental pollutants. However, the effectiveness of microbial remediation is intricately linked to abrupt climate changes, which can alter microbial community dynamics and disrupt bioremediation processes. This chapter examines how climate-induced shifts in temperature, precipitation, and extreme weather events affect pollutant bioavailability and microbial activity, posing both challenges and opportunities. It also highlights the potential risks associated with genetically modified microorganisms and incomplete degradation pathways, underscoring the need for comprehensive risk assessments and adaptive management strategies. Looking ahead, integrating ... |