Diversity and Interaction of Microbes in Biodegradation

Organic and inorganic components found in the wastewater are leached from various sources such as industrial wastewater, municipal wastewater and other sources. The contaminated chemicals have harmful effects on the environment, human health and other living things which are in contact with contaminated wastewater. A large diversity of microbial communities have been observed on these contaminated sites, which can successfully degrade various contaminants. Remediation of these contaminated sites is an emergent need for a pollution-free planet. Several, physical, chemical and biological methods have been extensively explored for remediation of contaminated sites. The biological remediation methods are seen to be advantageous as compared to other methods due to the efficiency and selectivity of the processes. The present book chapter provides a comprehensive review of microbial diversity for bioremediation to remove organic and inorganic contaminants. Degradation and interaction of organic as well as inorganic contaminants by bacterial as well as fungal species are mainly emphasised. Moreover, the degradation mechanism, microbial diversity observed in bioremediation methods, as well as genetics involved in degradation of contaminants are covered. In order to explore the need for the next stage of advancement, future perspectives, challenges and barriers are covered.