Topic: Microbiology Technology for Removing Emerging Pollutants from Water

Water, an indispensable resource for all living organisms, faces significant challenges of scarcity and pollution, posing critical concerns for humanity. While industrial and agricultural activities have contributed to enhancing general well-being, they have also led to the release of substantial amounts of synthetic compounds, many of which are poorly biodegradable, into water bodies. Although wastewater treatment plants are efficient in removing the main contaminants such as organic matter and nutrients, they are not specifically designed to address microcontaminants or emerging pollutants, which can be defined as “substances that are present in the aquatic environment at trace concentrations (≤ μg/L) and whose bioaccumulation, persistence as well as toxicity may impose negative effect on ecosystems and/or human health”. This expanding group of pollutants comprises a wide range of compounds, including pharmaceutical active compounds, personal care products, pesticides, flame retardants, and other persistent organic industrial compounds. Consequently, safeguarding the environment necessitates urgent implementation of appropriate management strategies, including suitable treatment of primary pollution sources.

Among all treatment alternatives, bioremediation has gained increasing attention in the last decades due to its cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and eco-friendliness. Bioremediation relies on biological mechanisms for the abatement of environmental contamination.

This Special Issue calls for contributions from research on bioremediation of emerging pollutants from wastewater. Papers on toxicity reduction, bioreactor design, process development, treatment of real wastewaters from agricultural or industrial sectors, and, in general, microbiology technology for the biodegradation of emerging pollutants are of special interest. Original research reports, review articles, communications, and perspectives in all relevant areas of emerging pollutant bioremediation are encouraged.

Microbiology technology, biodegradation, wastewater treatment, emerging pollutants bioreactors

15 Dec 2024