Applications of biofilm in environmental pollution control and the related challenges

Abstract

Biofilm has been used in environmental pollution control in recent years due to its characteristics of adsorption and biodegradation. Beyond the success of its utilization in wastewater treatment, biofilm technique has high application value in the remediation of heavy metals and organic pollutants in soils. With the extensive attention and research of emerging pollutants such as microplastics and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), the pivotal role of biofilm can not be overlooked. Here, we presented a comprehensive review of the structure, formation mecha-nism, population, and functional aspects of biofilm, as well as its applications and mechanisms in environmental pollution control in recent years. We emphatically discussed the removal mechanism and application progress of biofilm on heavy metals and organic pollutants. We further expounded some novel environmental challenges posed by biofilm under new circumstances, including the coexistence of various pollutants in plastisphere, the spread of ARGs, and the accumulation of pathogens. Finally, we put forward the gaps of current research and prospects for future research, especially the importance of exploring the interaction relationship and mechanism between biofilm and various pollutants. It is expected to provide theoretical basis for the development of new technology of biofilm remediation.