Biotransformation of Pollutants: A Microbiological Perspective

Abstract

Microorganisms perform an important function in many of the biological processes that sustain ecosystem. Degradation or detoxification of toxic contaminants is one of such process which contributes towards sustainability of environment. Microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes can utilize wide range of substrates as their energy and carbon source. This attribute of microbes makes them suitable candidate in the remediation process of pollutants. The research interest in biotransformation of pollutants has been intensified recently, as mankind is looking for the sustainable ways to clean up the hazardous pollutants. The process of biotransformation harnesses the potential of diverse microbes to decompose, transform, or assimilate the broad spectrum of toxic materials like stiff alloys, hydrocarbons, pharmaceutical content, polychlorinated biphenyls, pesticides, etc. Natural transformation processes are non specific, time consuming and less productive. So, microbial transformations are very beneficial in bioremediation as they are more specific and productive.