Bioremediation strategies against pesticides: An overview of current knowledge and innovations

• Published in: Chemosphere (Oxford) 2024-09, Vol.364, p.142867, Article 142867
• Main Authors: Martínez-Burgos, Walter José, Porto de Souza Vandenberghe, Luciana, Murawski de Mello, Ariane Fátima, de Carvalho, Júlio César, Valladares-Diestra, Kim Kley, Manzoki, Maria Clara, Scapini, Thamarys, Pozzan, Roberta, Liew, Rocky Keey, Thomaz-Soccol, Vanete, Soccol, Carlos Ricardo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bioabsorption; biodegradation; biodiversity; biomass production; Bioreactors; biotransformation; Enzymes; human health; microalgae; Microorganisms; nontarget organisms; pesticides; phytoremediation; Pollution mitigation; soil pollution
• ISSN: 0045-6535; 1879-1298; 1879-1298
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142867

Pesticides pose significant risks to both human health, such as cancer, neurological disorders, and endocrine disruption, and ecosystems, through the destruction of beneficial insects, contamination of soil and water, and impact on non-target species. In the face of escalating pesticide pollution, there is an urgent need for multifaceted approaches to address the issue. Bioremediation emerges as a potent tool in the environmental pollution mitigation arsenal. Ideally aiming for the complete decomposition of pesticides into harmless molecules, bioremediation encompasses diverse approaches - from bioabsorption, bioadsorption, and biotransformation using enzymes and nanoenzymes to comprehensive degradation facilitated by microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, macro- and microalgae, or phytoremediation. Exploring nature's biodiversity offers a promising avenue to find solutions to this pressing human-induced problem. The acceleration of biodegradation necessitates identifying and developing efficient organisms, achieved through bioprospection and targeted modifications. Specific strategies to enhance process efficiency and throughput include optimizing biomass production, strategic inoculation in diverse environments, and employing bioreactor systems for processing heavily contaminated waters or soils. This comprehensive review presents various bioremediation approaches, emphasizing the importance of microorganisms' exploration and new technologies development, including current innovations and patents to effectively combat pesticide pollution. Furthermore, challenges regarding the effective implementation of these technologies are also addressed. [Display omitted] •Insecticide bioremediation mediated by bacteria, algae, fungi, and plants are highlighted.•Microbial genetic engineering and immobilization can enhance bioremediation.•In situ (wetland) and ex-situ (bioreactor) technologies are discussed for bioremediation.•Strategic inoculation and advanced bioreactor systems lead to process efficiency.•Utilizing biomass post-bioremediation remains a persistent challenge in the field.