Bioremediation, involving the use of microorganisms, plants and fungi (or the enzymatic components of them) to clean up the contaminated environment, is most efficient under conditions that favor the growth and active development of the biota. Despite the fact that bioremediation has been successfully utilized in various situations across the world, the community is yet to embrace this practice widely due to the challenges linked with the unpredictable efficacy of the practice in real-world settings. One promising approach to bioremediation is in situ bio stimulation, which involves stimulating the growth of naturally occurring microbes in contaminated soil to break down pollutants. This technique offers an attractive alternative to excavating and removing contaminated soil. In water, target pollutants are metabolized by promoting the growth of native bacterial communities. However, despite the potential of in situ remediation techniques, they have not been widely adopted due to the variability of their effectiveness in actual field conditions. This article focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of native microbial degraders, emphasizing the importance of understanding and addressing the factors that limit their activity. Key limiting factors include low temperatures, insufficient nutrients, and oxygen shortages. This study explores the various types and techniques of bioremediation, delving into how microorganisms' function and their specific strategies for breaking down pollutants. Furthermore, the article examines the interactions between mineral particles in the soil and bio remediators, providing a comprehensive overview of this complex process. Schematic overview of microbial bioremediation strategies for contaminated soil and water. The graphical abstract illustrates the application of in situ biostimulation techniques (nutrient addition and oxygen enhancement) to activate native microbial communities for pollutant degradation. Key pollutants include hydrocarbons, heavy metals, and pesticides in soil, as well as oil spills and toxic chemicals in water. Native microbes break down pollutants through mechanisms including microbial degradation, plant-assisted remediation (phytoremediation), fungal degradation, and biofilm formation. The process is influenced by soil-mineral interactions (adsorption, desorption, and mineral binding) and faces key environmental challenges such as low temperatures, nutrient limitations, and oxygen shortages. • Microbial bioremediation uses native microorganisms to clean polluted soil and water sustainably, reducing the need for excavation or chemical treatments. • -Challenges like temperature, nutrients, and oxygen levels affect real-world effectiveness, limiting widespread adoption despite its potential. • -In situ bio stimulation enhances natural microbial activity, offering a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution for contamination cleanup. • Understanding microbial interactions with soil and pollutants is crucial for optimizing bioremediation strategies.
Raheema et al. (Wed,) studied this question.