MICROBIAL CELLS REPRESENT A PROMISING TECHNOLOGY FOR INDUSTRIAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT.

Abstract

Industrial wastewater contains various toxic chemicals, inorganic and organic, such as heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, dyes, oils, nutrients, and toxic solvents. Disposing of complex waste without adequate treatment is very detrimental to the environment, marine life, and social health. Conservative wastewater treatment approaches are often associated with high costs, high energy requirements, and the possible production of toxic byproducts. Microbial cells have gained immense popularity as environmentally friendly and sustainable tools for the bioremediation of chemically contaminated industrial wastewater. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the quality, sources, and impacts of industrial waste. It also seems that microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, algae, and other microbes) help to clean up polluted water. Microbial mechanisms used for treatment include biodegradation, biosorption, bioaccumulation, and bio-electrochemical processes, which use them to generate electricity. These methods are often used in systems like activated sludge and biofilm reactors. Recently, there has been progress in using specially designed groups of microbes, mixed systems that combine microbes with nanoparticles, and combined systems that use both biological and electrical processes. The review highlights the limitations and challenges of using microorganisms for treatment, what might happen when these methods are used on a larger scale, and how resources can be recovered. Microbial cell-based technologies offer an optimistic, eco-friendly option for effectively treating industrial wastewater containing a mix of chemicals.