Bioremediation of Environmental Pollutants: Microbial Tactics for Sustainable Ecosystem Restoration

Environmental pollution from industrial growth, urbanization, and farming has become a serious global issue. Among different cleanup strategies, bioremediation stands out as a sustainable and low-cost approach that uses microorganisms to transform or remove pollutants. This paper reviews the roles of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, algae, and yeast in breaking down contaminants under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Special attention is given to microbial enzymes such as laccases, peroxidases, and monooxygenases, which play a central role in the degradation of persistent compounds, including pharmaceutical residues. The review also covers in situ and ex situ methods—such as bioventing, composting, and bioreactors—and discusses the environmental factors that affect their efficiency, including pH, pollutant levels, nutrient supply, and soil properties. Bioremediation is a sustainable method for cleaning up the environment. It supports SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Using this approach at local, industrial, and global levels shows its ability to reduce pollution, lower chemical waste, and restore ecosystems while promoting sustainable development. Recent developments, including microbial biofilms, bio electrochemical systems, nanomaterials, and omics-based tools, show promise in improving efficiency and extending the range of pollutants that can be treated. Although bioremediation offers clear environmental and economic benefits, it still faces challenges related to speed, specificity, and the formation of harmful byproduct.