Bioremediation of soils with emerging organic contaminants using immobilized microorganisms

Abstract

The escalating global challenge of soil contamination by emerging organic contaminants (EOCs) demands advanced bioremediation solutions. This review explores cutting-edge advancements in enzyme immobilization and microbial engineering for enhanced EOC degradation, focusing on innovative carrier systems like nanobiochar and their role in biocatalyst stabilization. Key molecular interactions between EOCs and biological systems are analyzed, including their potential for DNA damage and ecosystem disruption, alongside challenges posed by environmental persistence. A critical comparison of contemporary immobilization techniques evaluates their efficacy based on associated genes in bacterial and enzymatic systems, with emphasis on structural and functional immobilization characteristics. Furthermore, it highlights the integration of molecular dynamics simulations (MDS) to predict EOC degradation efficiency and enzyme-substrate interactions. Revolutionary CRISPR-based genetic engineering approaches for tailoring microbial degraders are demonstrated, showcasing their precision in optimizing biodegradation pathways. The synergistic potential of combining immobilization techniques with engineered microorganisms, supported by computational modeling and EOC-degradation predictive models, offers an eco-friendly solution that eliminates pathogenic compounds more efficiently than conventional methods. This integrated approach is not only cost-effective, but also achieves faster contaminant degradation, demonstrating superior performance compared to traditional remediation strategies. These techniques serve as both a critical threshold of current technologies and a roadmap for future innovations in environmental biotechnology. • EOCs in soil: types, ecological risks, and DNA damage. • Cutting-edge enzyme immobilization for EOC breakdown. • Nanobiochar boosts biocatalyst performance. • CRISPR-engineered GEMs for enhanced soil remediation. • MDS predicts optimal degradation pathways.