Bioremediation Strategies for Pharmaceutical and Personal Care Products Contaminants: Microbial and Plant-Based Approaches
摘要
In recent decades, the simultaneous impact of growing urbanisation, poor sanitation, and industrialization has caused a negative influence on global natural water reserves. The uncontrolled release of pollutants poses a significant hazard to both public health and environmental integrity. A scant 3% of the world’s 326 million cubic miles of water qualifies as fresh water, with a large part encased in glaciers. The introduction of pharmaceutical/personal care products (PPCPs), which span a wide range of organic categories, has raised concerns due to their widespread presence in numerous environmental compartments. This hazard affects surface water, sewage, sludge, aquatic bodies, waste treatment plants, soil, and sediments, as well as human and wildlife populations. The growing awareness of PPCPs’ ubiquity, biomagnification, destiny, and ecological risk highlights the need for thorough investigation. Water purification/treatment and the replenishment of natural aquifers are well known truths. Diverse strategies including physical, biological, and chemical approaches have been thoroughly investigated for PPCP eradication. This chapter focuses on the present state of bioremediation techniques including microbial and phytoremediation strategies adapted for PPCPs. Plant–microbe interactions show promise for synergistic bioremediation processes, perhaps leading to more successful cleanup of contaminated locations as it gains popular acceptance. These treatments aim to promote a shift to a cleaner, healthier environment that benefits all forms of life. Combating difficulties and exploring opportunities for improving bioremediation processes must be tackled by various SDG regulating agencies.