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Updated: May 23, 2026
07:20
Bioprospecting of Extremophilic Microorganisms to Address Environmental Pollution
Published on: December 30, 2021
Microbial remediation of explosive waste
Baljinder Singh1, Jagdeep Kaur, Kashmir Singh
1Panjab University, Biotechnology, Chandigarh, India. kashmirbio@pu.ac.in
Critical Reviews in Microbiology
|April 14, 2012
Summary
Microbes can break down harmful explosives like TNT and RDX through biodegradation and biotransformation. Further research into microbial metabolism can lead to eco-friendly cleanup methods for contaminated soil and water.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Bioremediation
- Chemical engineering
Background:
- Explosives are widely used, leading to significant environmental contamination.
- Conventional cleanup methods are often costly and environmentally damaging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review microbial pathways for explosives biodegradation and biotransformation.
- To discuss enzymes and genetic mechanisms involved in explosive degradation.
- To highlight the potential of microbiological methods for environmental remediation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of biodegradation and biotransformation pathways.
- Analysis of microbial enzymes and genetic adaptations.
- Discussion of aerobic and anaerobic degradation processes.
Main Results:
- Microbes can mineralize or transform various explosives, including nitrate esters, nitroaromatics, and nitramines.
- Genetic adaptation and enzyme evolution enhance microbial catabolic potential.
- Microbial metabolism offers a promising avenue for explosives cleanup.
Conclusions:
- Microbial degradation presents a sustainable and economical approach to remediate explosive-contaminated environments.
- Further investigation into microbial metabolism is crucial for developing effective bioremediation strategies.
- Understanding microbial detoxification mechanisms can aid in designing safer cleanup technologies.
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