Microbial Biofilm Cell Systems for Remediation of Wastewaters

Abstract

Water resources are gradually decreasing and most of water is polluted by different pollutants from household, agricultural and industrial sources. Previously, the main focus of bioremediation treatment technologies was on the use of free microbial cells. Recently, immobilized microbial cells for the bioremediation of pollutants from wastewater have gained immense interest. Microbial biofilms are microbial cells attached on a surface via polymeric substances (extracellular polymeric substances). The main aim of this chapter is to present the role of immobilized microbial cell systems in bioremediation of different pollutants. Microbial cell immobilization methods are being employed to control various recalcitrant pollutants from wastewater, and the tendency of this interesting area is expected to increase in the future. Here, an attempt is made to discuss microbial biofilms and immobilization of microbial cells. Moreover, developments of immobilized cells are highlighted, and different immobilization support materials are discussed in reference to wastewater bioremediation. Also, the applications of immobilized microbial cells in different areas are demonstrated. Finally, brief conclusions and future research outlooks in the area of microbial biofilm cell systems for bioremediation of pollutants are highlighted.