Monitoring and abatement of synthetic pollutants using engineered microbial systems

Abstract

Synthetic pollutants (SPs) are a significant environmental concern due to their extensive use and persistence in the environment. Various remediation strategies have been explored to address this issue, including photocatalysis, nano-remediation, and bioremediation. Among these, bioremediation stands out as a promising approach, particularly with the use of genetically engineered (GE) microorganisms. This review focuses on the role of GE microorganisms in reducing SPs from environmental systems. GE microorganisms have been modified to enhance their ability to degrade organic and inorganic SPs efficiently. Key genes responsible for contaminant degradation have been identified and modified to improve breakdown rates. Strategies to make engineered bacteria more acceptable are also discussed. Overall, GE microorganisms represent a viable and efficient alternative to native strains for pollutant degradation, highlighting their potential in addressing environmental pollution challenges.