Cyanobacterial based bioremediation of xenobiotics compounds

Abstract

Cyanobacterial-based bioremediation has emerged as a promising eco-friendly approach for the degradation and removal of xenobiotic compounds, which are synthetic pollutants resistant to natural breakdown processes. Xenobiotics, including pesticides, pharmaceuticals, dyes, and industrial chemicals, persist in the environment and pose significant threats to ecosystems and human health due to their toxic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic properties. Cyanobacteria, photosynthetic microorganisms, offer a sustainable solution to this problem by utilizing their metabolic versatility and adaptation to diverse environments for the detoxification and degradation of these harmful compounds. Cyanobacteria can transform or degrade xenobiotics through various enzymatic and non-enzymatic pathways, such as oxidative, reductive, and hydrolytic reactions. Certain cyanobacterial strains produce extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), which can adsorb xenobiotic molecules, reducing their bioavailability and toxicity. Additionally, the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and specific enzymes such as laccases, peroxidases, and monooxygenases play crucial roles in breaking down complex organic molecules. Their potential for bioremediation is enhanced by their ability to grow in diverse environments, including freshwater, marine, and extreme conditions. In addition to degrading xenobiotics, cyanobacteria can also contribute to the recovery of polluted environments by fixing carbon and nitrogen, promoting the growth of other beneficial organisms. The integration of cyanobacterial systems in constructed wetlands, biofilms, and algal-bacterial consortia has shown promise in improving the efficiency of xenobiotic removal. However, challenges such as optimizing conditions for maximum degradation, understanding the metabolic pathways involved, and scaling up for industrial applications remain. This chapter highlights the potential of cyanobacterial-based bioremediation as a green technology for the sustainable removal of xenobiotics and emphasizes the need for further research into their practical applications in environmental restoration. © 2025