Chapter 18 - Nano- and microplastics in the environment: a potential threat to in-situ bioremediation of wastewaters

Abstract

Rapid and modern industrialization, in tandem with rapid urbanization, is becoming the primary source of modern and recalcitrant waste dumping in the environment. The dumping of such wastes has a negative impact on both terrestrial and aquatic environments. Despite several advanced techniques and breakthroughs, the treatment of industrial wastewaters remains a critical issue around the world. Industrial wastewaters contain a variety of potentially hazardous contaminants that can have toxic and even lethal effects on living organisms, making wastewater treatment critical. Because of its environmental safety and low cost, bioremediation of industrial wastewaters is regarded as a very efficient technique. This chapter discusses the role of microbes such as bacteria, fungi, and microalgae in industrial wastewater bioremediation. Massive discharge and the effects of microplastics on microbes are now a growing global concern. Microplastic concentrations in the environment may impair the remedial efficiency of microbes used for in-situ waste treatment. As a result, it is critical to investigate the potential inhibitory effects of nano- and microplastics on the remedial potential of microbes in order to use microbes for in-situ waste remediation. This chapter also summarizes the potential effects of microplastics on the bioremediation potential of various microbial species.