Summary
This narrative review synthesises current knowledge on the role of fungi, bacteria and microalgae in the bioremediation of emerging environmental pollutants, with a focus on pesticides, heavy metals and pharmaceutical residues. It likely evaluates the mechanistic bases of microbial detoxification and bioaccumulation, comparing the strengths and limitations of different microbial groups. The paper contributes a broad reference framework for researchers and practitioners seeking sustainable, biology-based approaches to managing soil and water contamination.
UK applicability
Whilst the review is global in scope, its findings are broadly applicable to UK conditions given increasing regulatory scrutiny of pesticide residues, heavy metal contamination in agricultural soils, and pharmaceutical pollution in waterways under the UK Environment Act 2021 and associated water quality frameworks.
Key measures
Pollutant removal efficiency (%); degradation pathways; microbial taxa involved; contaminant classes (pesticides, heavy metals, pharmaceuticals)
Outcomes reported
The review examines the mechanisms and efficacy by which fungi, bacteria and microalgae degrade or sequester emerging pollutants including pesticides, heavy metals and pharmaceutical compounds. It likely reports on removal efficiencies, metabolic pathways and comparative performance of different microbial groups across various contamination scenarios.
Topic tags
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