Advancing Bioremediation through Engineered Nanoparticles and Microbial Interactions.
Authors
University of Ibadan, Department of Microbiology (Nigeria)
University of Ilorin, Department of Microbiology (Nigeria)
University of Ibadan, Department of Botany (Nigeria)
University of Ibadan, Department of Petroleum Engineering (Nigeria)
University of Barcelona, Department of Chemistry (Nigeria)
Federal Teaching Hospital; Kastsina, Department of Pharmacy (Nigeria)
Kyungpook National University; South Korea, Department of Environmental Engineering (Nigeria)
Gombe state University, Department of Geography and Environmental Management (Nigeria)
Article Information
DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI.2025.1210000137
Subject Category: Biology/Environmental Science
Volume/Issue: 12/10 | Page No: 1538-1552
Publication Timeline
Submitted: 2025-10-07
Accepted: 2025-10-14
Published: 2025-11-08
Abstract
Environmental pollution arising from industrialization, agricultural intensification, and rapid urbanization remains a major ecological and public health concern. Persistent contaminants such as heavy metals, hydrocarbons, pesticides, plastics, and pharmaceutical residues accumulate in soil and water, disrupting ecosystems and threatening human well-being. Conventional remediation methods, including chemical treatments, incineration, and physical removal, often provide incomplete solutions due to high costs, partial pollutant removal, and the generation of secondary waste.
Bioremediation offers a more sustainable alternative by harnessing microbial metabolism to degrade or detoxify pollutants. However, its efficiency is often limited by low pollutant bioavailability, slow degradation rates, and microbial sensitivity to toxic environments. Advances in nanotechnology have introduced engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) that can overcome these barriers through synergistic interactions with microorganisms. ENPs enhance pollutant solubilization, facilitate electron transfer, and improve microbial tolerance under stress, resulting in more efficient and adaptable remediation systems.
This review synthesizes recent progress in nano–bio remediation, emphasizing applications in heavy metal detoxification, hydrocarbon degradation, wastewater treatment, and plastic biodegradation. It also critically examines nanoparticle toxicity, environmental persistence, cost implications, and regulatory uncertainties. Finally, the paper highlights future directions focused on biocompatible nanomaterials, engineered microbial strains, interdisciplinary collaboration, and circular economy integration to ensure the safe, scalable, and sustainable deployment of nano–bio remediation technologies.
Keywords
Bioremediation, Engineered nanoparticles, Microbial interactions, nano-biotechnology, pollutant degradation
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