The role of marine bacteria in modulating the environmental impact of heavy metals, microplastics, and pesticides: a comprehensive review

• Published in: Environmental science and pollution research international 2024-12, Vol.31 (56), p.64419-64452
• Main Authors: Teiba, Islam I., El-Bilawy, Emad H., Abouelsaad, Ibrahim A., Shehata, Akram Ismael, Alhoshy, Mayada, Habib, Yusuf Jibril, Abu-Elala, Nermeen M., EL-Khateeb, Nagwa, Belal, Elsayed B., Hussain, Warda A. M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anthropogenic factors; Aquatic Pollution; Atmospheric Protection/Air Quality Control/Air Pollution; Bacteria; Bacteria - metabolism; Bioaccumulation; Biodegradation; Biodegradation, Environmental; Bioremediation; Biosorption; Biotransformation; Contaminants; Depolymerization; Earth and Environmental Science; Ecotoxicology; Environment; Environmental Chemistry; Environmental effects; Environmental Health; Environmental impact; Heavy metals; Human influences; Marine environment; Marine pollution; Marine technology; Metal ions; Metals, Heavy; Microbial activity; Microbial contamination; Microorganisms; Microplastics; Mineralization; Pesticides; Pesticides - metabolism; Plastic debris; Plastic pollution; Polymers; Review Article; Sustainability management; Waste Water Technology; Water Management; Water Pollutants, Chemical - metabolism; Water Pollution Control
• ISSN: 1614-7499; 0944-1344; 1614-7499
• DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-35520-y

Bacteria assume a pivotal role in mitigating environmental issues associated with heavy metals, microplastics, and pesticides. Within the domain of heavy metals, bacteria exhibit a wide range of processes for bioremediation, encompassing biosorption, bioaccumulation, and biotransformation. Toxigenic metal ions can be effectively sequestered, transformed, and immobilized, hence reducing their adverse environmental effects. Furthermore, bacteria are increasingly recognized as significant contributors to the process of biodegradation of microplastics, which are becoming increasingly prevalent as contaminants in marine environments. These microbial communities play a crucial role in the colonization, depolymerization, and assimilation processes of microplastic polymers, hence contributing to their eventual mineralization. In the realm of pesticides, bacteria play a significant role in the advancement of environmentally sustainable biopesticides and the biodegradation of synthetic pesticides, thereby mitigating their environmentally persistent nature and associated detrimental effects. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the intricate dynamics between bacteria and anthropogenic contaminants is of paramount importance in the pursuit of technologically advanced and environmentally sustainable management approaches.