Genomics and Applied Biology 2024, Vol.15, No.2, 64-74 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/gab 65 This systematic review aims to explore the potential of engineered SynComs in addressing the limitations of traditional bioremediation methods and tackling complex environmental pollutants. By synthesizing recent research and technological advancements, this review will provide a comprehensive overview of the strategies employed in the construction and application of SynComs for enhanced bioremediation. The significance of this review lies in its potential to inform future research and development in environmental biotechnology, ultimately contributing to more effective and sustainable pollution management practices. 1. Overview of Traditional Bioremediation Techniques 1.1 Description of bioremediation processes Bioremediation is a process that utilizes microorganisms, plants, or microbial enzymes to detoxify and remove environmental contaminants. The primary techniques include bioaugmentation, biostimulation, and phytoremediation. Bioaugmentation involves the introduction of specific strains of microorganisms to contaminated sites to enhance the degradation of pollutants. These microorganisms are often selected for their ability to break down specific contaminants (Ahluwalia and Sekhon, 2012; Gaur et al., 2018). Biostimulation entails the modification of the environment to stimulate the existing microbial community capable of degrading contaminants. This can be achieved by adding nutrients, oxygen, or other amendments to enhance microbial activity (Ahluwalia and Sekhon, 2012; Gaur et al., 2018). Phytoremediation uses plants to absorb, sequester, and detoxify pollutants from soil and water. Plants can uptake contaminants through their roots and either store them in their tissues or transform them into less harmful substances (Ahluwalia and Sekhon, 2012). 1.2 Success stories and case studies Several successful applications of traditional bioremediation techniques have been documented: Oil Spill Remediation: Bioaugmentation and biostimulation have been effectively used to clean up oil spills. For instance, genetically engineered microorganisms have been employed to degrade oil in contaminated marine environments, significantly reducing the impact of oil spills (Ahluwalia and Sekhon, 2012). Heavy Metal Contamination: Phytoremediation has shown success in the removal of heavy metals from contaminated soils. Transgenic plants engineered to express metal-binding proteins have been used to sequester heavy metals, thereby reducing their bioavailability and toxicity (Ahluwalia and Sekhon, 2012). Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs): Microbial degradation of POPs such as pesticides, PCBs, and PAHs has been achieved through bioaugmentation and biostimulation. Specific microbial strains capable of breaking down these complex compounds have been identified and utilized in various bioremediation projects (Gaur et al., 2018). 1.3 Limitations and challenges Despite the successes, traditional bioremediation techniques face several limitations and challenges: Site-Specific Effectiveness: The effectiveness of bioremediation can be highly site-specific, depending on factors such as the type of contaminant, environmental conditions, and the presence of suitable microbial communities (Gaur et al., 2018). Time-Consuming: Bioremediation processes can be slow, often taking months or even years to achieve significant contaminant reduction. This can be a major drawback in situations requiring rapid remediation (Ahluwalia and Sekhon, 2012). Incomplete Degradation: In some cases, bioremediation may not completely degrade contaminants, leading to the accumulation of intermediate products that may still be harmful (Gaur et al., 2018). Environmental Conditions: Factors such as pH, temperature, and nutrient availability can significantly impact the efficiency of bioremediation. Adverse conditions may inhibit microbial activity and reduce the overall effectiveness of the process (Ahluwalia and Sekhon, 2012). In summary, while traditional bioremediation techniques have demonstrated significant potential in addressing environmental pollution, they are not without their limitations. Advances in genetic engineering and interdisciplinary research are paving the way for more efficient and reliable bioremediation strategies, including the use of engineered synthetic microbial communities (SynComs) to tackle complex environmental pollutants (Ahluwalia and Sekhon, 2012; Gaur et al., 2018).
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