Microbial Enzymes Mediated Bioremediation of Wastewater: An Overview

The water bodies are presently under pressure due to pollutants from different industries. Common pollutants are organic solids, heavy metals, dissolved organic constituents, and pathogenic microorganisms, to name a few. Apart from these, there are emerging pollutants such as pesticides, pharmaceuticals, personal care products, hormones, and food additives. These pollutants cause harmful effects on both humans and aquatic life. They cause human diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, as well as reproductive disorders. Enzyme-mediated bioremediation is a sustainable method to reduce the pollutant load in the water bodies. Common enzymes used in bioremediation are amylase, laccase, cellulase, lipases, peroxidases, pectinases, and tyrosinases. Technological advances, including sequencing, metagenomics, mutagenesis, computational tools, and bioinformatics, have made it possible to develop new enzymes that possess novel properties and improve existing enzymes. Additionally, applying microbial bioinformatics and computational tools is an integral component of a progressive technological approach to bioremediation. As a result, the combination of enzyme technology with bioinformatics intervention makes microbial enzymes an effective bioremediation agent. It allows for a more environmentally friendly approach to wastewater treatment versus using harmful chemicals. The primary focus of this chapter is on microbial enzymes, enzyme technologies, computational tools for bioprospecting of numerous microbes capable of biodegrading, and the use of enzymes in bioremediation of industrial effluents, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals, as well as enhancement of enzyme activity.