Advancing Bioremediation through Engineered Nanoparticles and Microbial Interactions.

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.