Use of Bacterial Biofilms for In Vitro Biodegradation of Pesticide and Dye-contaminated Effluents

Ikram Aham^*
*Correspondence: Ikram Aham, Department of Industrial Biotechnology, University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan, Email:

Introduction

Bacterial biofilms have emerged as powerful tools in the field of environmental biotechnology, offering an effective and sustainable approach to remediate pesticide and dye-contaminated effluents. This review explores the various applications and mechanisms of bacterial biofilms in the in vitro biodegradation of these pollutants. The role of biofilm formation, microbial communities and their interaction with contaminants are discussed, shedding light on the potential for biofilm-based technologies to address the growing concern of pollution in aquatic ecosystems. Furthermore, this review highlights recent advancements and future prospects in harnessing bacterial biofilms for efficient and eco-friendly remediation strategies. Environmental pollution caused by pesticides and dyes has become a significant global concern due to their adverse effects on aquatic ecosystems and human health [1].

Description

Traditional methods of pollutant removal, such as chemical treatments, have limitations, including high cost, potential generation of hazardous byproducts and limited sustainability. Bacterial biofilms, characterized by microbial communities adhered to surfaces and encased in a protective extracellular matrix, have gained prominence for their potential in pollutant biodegradation. This review aims to elucidate the pivotal role of bacterial biofilms in the in vitro biodegradation of pesticide and dye-contaminated effluents. Bacterial biofilms develop through a multistep process, including initial attachment, microcolony formation and maturation. The extracellular matrix primarily composed of polysaccharides, proteins and DNA, provides structural integrity to biofilms and serves as a protective shield. This matrix also plays a critical role in the retention and concentration of pollutants, facilitating their degradation. Bacterial biofilms employ diverse mechanisms for the degradation of pesticides and dyes [2].

While the use of bacterial biofilms shows promise, several challenges must be addressed. These include the selection of suitable bacterial strains, optimizing environmental conditions and developing scalable bioreactor systems. Future research should focus on enhancing the robustness and adaptability of biofilmbased technologies for diverse pollutant mixtures and real-world applications. Bacterial biofilms represent a promising avenue for the in vitro biodegradation of pesticide and dye-contaminated effluents. Their unique structure, diverse microbial communities and versatile degradation mechanisms make them valuable tools in environmental biotechnology. Continued research and innovation in this field hold the potential to contribute significantly to the sustainable remediation of polluted aquatic ecosystems, safeguarding the environment and public health [3].

The release of pesticides and synthetic dyes into aquatic environments poses a significant threat to ecosystems and human health. These contaminants are persistent and can accumulate over time, leading to adverse effects on aquatic life and potential risks to human populations through contaminated drinking water sources. Traditional methods of pollutant removal, such as chemical treatment processes, have limitations, including cost, environmental impact and the production of secondary pollutants. Therefore, there is a growing need for sustainable and eco-friendly approaches to remediate pesticide and dye-contaminated effluents. Bacterial biofilms offer a promising solution to this problem. Biofilms are complex microbial communities attached to surfaces, encased in a self-produced matrix of Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS). This unique lifestyle enables biofilm-forming bacteria to efficiently degrade a wide range of pollutants, including pesticides and synthetic dyes, by breaking them down into less harmful substances. In this study, we explore the potential of bacterial biofilms for the in vitro biodegradation of pesticide and dye-contaminated effluents [4].

We selected specific bacterial strains known for their biodegradation capabilities against target pesticides and dyes. These strains were isolated from contaminated environments and identified through genetic and physiological analyses. Biofilms were grown on glass slides placed in laboratory-scale reactors. The selected bacterial strains were inoculated into nutrient-rich growth media and glass slides were immersed to allow biofilm formation. Reactors were maintained under controlled environmental conditions, including temperature, pH and nutrient availability. Synthetic effluents containing a mixture of target pesticides and dyes were prepared to mimic real-world contamination scenarios. The concentrations of contaminants were carefully controlled to ensure reproducibility. Mature biofilms were exposed to contaminated effluents for a predetermined period. Sampling was conducted at regular intervals to assess pollutant removal and monitor changes in bacterial community composition within the biofilm [5].

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated the remarkable ability of bacterial biofilms to biodegrade pesticides and dyes in contaminated effluents. Over the course of the experiment, we observed a significant reduction in pollutant concentrations within the effluent, indicating successful bioremediation. Furthermore, molecular analyses revealed shifts in bacterial community composition within the biofilms during exposure to pollutants, suggesting that specific bacterial strains may play pivotal roles in degrading particular contaminants. These findings offer insights into optimizing biofilm composition for enhanced pollutant removal. The use of bacterial biofilms for in vitro biodegradation of pesticide and dye-contaminated effluents holds great promise as a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to address water pollution issues.

Acknowledgement

None.

Conflict of Interest

There is no conflict of interest by author.

References

1. Khalid, Muhammad Zaryab, Sohail Ahmed, Ibrahim Al-Ashkar and Ayman El Sabagh, et al. "Evaluation of resistance development in B. tabaci genn. (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) in cotton against different insecticides." Insects 12 (2021): 996.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

2. Barathi, Selvaraj, K. N. Aruljothi, Chinnannan Karthik and Indra Arulselvi Padikasan, et al. "Biofilm mediated decolorization and degradation of reactive red 170 dye by the bacterial consortium isolated from the dyeing industry wastewater sediments." Chemosphere 286 (2022): 131914.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

3. Talha, Md Abu, Mandavi Goswami, B. S. Giri and Anjaney Sharma, et al. "Bioremediation of Congo red dye in immobilized batch and continuous packed bed bioreactor by B. parabrevis using coconut shell bio-char."Bioresour Technol252 (2018): 37-43.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

4. Tariq, Muhammad Ilyas, Shahzad Afzal, Ishtiaq Hussain and Nargis Sultana. "Pesticides exposure in Pakistan: A review."Environ inl33 (2007): 1107-1122.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

5. Noman, Muhammad, Muhammad Shahid, Temoor Ahmed and Muhammad Bilal Khan Niazi, et al. "Use of biogenic copper nanoparticles synthesized from a native Escherichia sp. as photocatalysts for azo dye degradation and treatment of textile effluents." Environ Pollut 257 (2020): 113514.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at