Microbial enzymes and their exploitation in remediation of environmental contaminants

Abstract

Currently, a diverse range of microbes and their products have been utilized in bioremediation for the management of rising environmental contaminants. These beneficial microbes include bacteria, actinomycetes, fungi, cyanobacteria, and it appears as cost-effective and sustainable approach of bioremediation. In the recent past, utilization of microbial enzymes appears as one of the alternative and effective approaches in biodegradation for various complex and toxic environmental contaminants. The enzymes synthesized by various microbial genera of bacteria actinomycetes, fungi, cyanobacteria have been applied on both organic and inorganic contaminants and effectively degrade or detoxify these contaminants. Some of the common enzymes such as hydrolases, oxidoreductases, oxygenase, peroxidases, and these enzymes have been broadly utilized for pollutants degradation. The use of microbial enzymes in bioremediation appears beneficial in terms of whole microbial cells utilization as well as their possible modification via the latest omics and technology for better effectivity and efficiency. © 2021 Elsevier Inc.