Remediation of Xenobiotics

Xenobiotics are defined as chemicals that are extrinsic to an organism and not essential for normal growth and metabolism of the organism. Xenobiotics are synthetic compounds generally used in domestic, agriculture, and industrial purposes; pose a significant threat to human as well as environmental health due to their widespread use and persistence in the environment. Xenobiotics have a long half-life in the environment, which can cause bioaccumulation and biomagnification in food chains due to their persistent nature, which in turn can have an impact on human health. Remedial techniques are therefore necessary to reduce the hazards that xenobiotics pose to the environment and human health. Remediation is crucial for preventing the degradation, elimination, immobilization, and purification of various chemical wastes found in the environment through the comprehensive action of bacteria. This contribution provides an overview of the current approaches for xenobiotics remediation, focusing on recent advancements and emerging technologies. It discusses the advantages and limitations of each approach and highlights the importance of interdisciplinary research in developing innovative solutions. This chapter also emphasizes the need for sustainable remediation strategies to address the challenges posed by xenobiotics effectively.