A concise overview of perchlorate sources, contamination, and remediation techniques

Abstract

Perchlorate has become one of the most significant contaminants in our environment. Perchlorate is responsible for difficulties relating to both human and environmental health. In contaminated areas, microorganisms that degrade perchlorate are now promising bioremediation techniques. Microorganisms based on chemical, physical, and other biological approaches are favored for economic and environmental reasons. These microbes were accountable for the breakdown of perchlorate in the environment. This state-of-the-art review explores the perchlorate is a nonvolatile anion that is non-reactive and kinetically stable due to the most oxidized form of the chlorine atom. However, several industrial applications of perchlorate contamination have become a global concern. Perchlorate has several undesirable effects on the ecosystem as it degrades the environmental quality along with numerous anthropogenic activities. Currently, perchlorate-reducing microbes have proven to be a promising approach toward bioremediation. It can be hypothesized that bioreactors using perchlorate-reducing microbes would facilitate water treatment’s efficacy and prevent several deadly diseases caused by perchlorate contamination. Additionally, this study delves into innovative and conventional remediation techniques used to mitigate perchlorate contamination. It covers a wide range of strategies, including biological treatments, ion exchange, chemical reduction, and phytoremediation, among others. Furthermore, it discusses each technique’s advantages, limitations, and feasibility, considering factors such as cost, scalability, and site-specific conditions.