Bioremediation of Pesticides by Microorganisms: The State of the Art, Success Stories, Challenges, and Future Outlook

Abstract

As agrochemicals are used to control weeds and pests, pesticides have the potential to harm the environment if they build up in soil, water, or other ecosystems. Natural metabolic pathways in microbes, including bacteria, microalgae, and fungi, break down a variety of chemical substances, including pesticides. Pesticides can be used by these bacteria as a source of carbon and energy for growth and reproduction. The biodegradation of pesticides is greatly aided by microbial enzymes and metabolites. These biocatalysts can change and degrade different pesticide chemicals into less harmful or harmless forms. The creation of effective bioremediation techniques for pesticide-contaminated ecosystems can benefit from an understanding and exploitation of the activity of these enzymes and metabolites. One promising strategy to minimise the negative effects of these dangerous compounds on the environment is the bioremediation of pesticides utilising microorganisms. The research of microbial varieties, the use of molecular methods for gene identification, and the creation of numerous bioremediation techniques comprise the state of the art in this discipline. The outlook for the future is positive since research is being done to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of pesticide bioremediation, broaden the types of pesticides that can be remedied, and combine bioremediation techniques with other remediation methods. Overall, the bioremediation of pesticides by microorganisms holds great potential for restoring contaminated ecosystems and reducing the environmental impact of pesticide use. Thus, this chapter aims to explore the different existing and emerging prospects of microbial bioremediation of pesticides while also discussing the associated challenges.