Abstract
A biological process termed bioremediation transforms waste into a form
that can be used and reused by other microbes. Recent research has revealed that
xenobiotic pollution and other associated refractory substances pose a serious threat to
both human health and the environment. Many contaminants, including heavy metals,
polychlorinated biphenyls, plastics and different agrochemicals, are prevalent in the
environment because of their toxicity and inability to biodegrade. The key objective of
bioremediation is the degradation of pollutants and their transformation into less
harmful forms. Depending on several variables like cost, kind and concentration of the
contaminant and other considerations, ex-situ or in-situ bioremediation may be used.
Bioremediation can be done with the help of microorganisms that can withstand all
circumstances due to their metabolic potential. Microbes have a tremendous nutritional
capacity, making them useful in the bioremediation of environmental contaminants.
With the complete and coordinated activity of microorganisms, bioremediation is
significantly involved with the decomposition, expulsion, immobility or
decontamination of different chemical pollutants and physically dangerous chemicals
from the natural atmosphere. Enzymatic processes and other techniques, including
bioventing, bioaugmentation, biostimulation, biopiles and bioattenuation, are widely
used throughout the world based on their characteristics, benefits and drawbacks. This
chapter aims to portray the current advancements in green bioremediation methods,
how various contaminants are broken down by microorganisms and what the future
holds for bioremediation in terms of lowering global pollution levels.