Genetically Engineered Microorganisms

Abstract

Global industrialization and intensive agricultural practices after the green revolution have increased the rate of pollutants discharge above nature’s tolerance limit. Various persistent inorganic (heavy metals) and organic pollutants (e.g. polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and pesticides) are resistant to biodegradation and pose a toxicological risk to both wildlife and humans. Therefore, it is urgently needed to replace the conventional methods of bioremediation with genetically engineered microorganisms (GEMs), which are more effective and environment-friendly. GEMs are created using genetic engineering by modified microorganisms with a more relevant protein with desired function to overexpress the desired character. The “suicidal-GEMs” (S-GEMs), a recent invention on recombinant DNA technology, can help to attain eco-friendly and potential bioremediation of polluted areas. In this chapter, we have discussed various GEMs with their ability to remove organic and inorganic pollutants from the environment in order to achieve United Nations Sustainable Development Goals “Clean Water and Sanitation”, “Life on Land”, and “Life Below Water”.