Microbial Nanotechnology for Bioremediation of Industrial Wastewater -

“Microbial Nanotechnology for Bioremediation of Industrial Wastewater“

Introduction

Green nanomaterials, synthesized from microorganisms and extracts of various organisms, have emerged as an eco-friendly solution for pollutant removal. Iron nanoparticles, in particular, stand out due to their redox potential, magnetic susceptibility, and non-toxic nature, making them effective in water treatment.

Membrane-associated nanomaterials enhance membrane properties, including permeability, stinking resistance, mechanical strength, and temperature resistance. Additionally, nano-catalysts play a crucial role in boosting degradation reactions, contributing to more effective effluent removal.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) represent another innovative approach for heavy metal removal from wastewater. These frameworks, formed by coordinating organic ligands with metal ion precursors, can be optimized for greater effectiveness by coordinating functional groups with metals, minimizing steric hindrance.

Nanotechnology in Wastewater Treatment

Nanotechnology has proven to be highly effective in wastewater treatment, offering various applications such as photocatalytic degradation, adsorption, and filtration through nanoparticles. Carbon-based nanomaterials, including nanocomposites and nanotubes, as well as metal and metal oxide-based nanomaterials, play a crucial role in removing contaminants from industrial wastewater.

Nano-adsorbents, such as carbon nanotubes and activated carbon, demonstrate the ability to remove both organic and inorganic pollutants. Metal and metal oxide-based nanoparticles, when coated or combined with other supports, enhance adsorption efficiency. Nanofiltration membranes, like NF90, contribute to nutrient recovery from industrial effluents, albeit with potential fouling issues.

Studies highlight the versatility of nanomaterials, including multi-walled carbon nanotubes, activated carbon-modified nano-magnets, and metal oxide nanoparticles, in removing specific pollutants from wastewater. Additionally, the integration of microbial assistance in nanotechnology approaches further enhances efficiency, leading to green nanostructures. The development of cost-effective and environmentally friendly solutions, such as iron oxide nanoparticles and graphene-based nanocollectors, showcases the potential for sustainable wastewater treatment.

Microorganisms play a crucial role in enhancing the sustainability and eco-friendliness of nanotechnology applications. Green synthesis of nanoparticles using plant extracts, fungal, and bacterial enzymes offers a promising solution, avoiding the disadvantages associated with chemically produced nanoparticles. For instance, iron oxide nanoparticles biofabricated from Aspergillus tubingensis demonstrated a high efficiency in removing heavy metals from wastewater, with a regeneration capability for multiple cycles. Another study utilized exopolysaccharides from Chlorella vulgaris to co-precipitate with iron oxide nanoparticles, resulting in a nanocomposite that effectively removed phosphate and ammonium ions.

The cost-effective and eco-friendly strategy of synthesizing nanoparticles with the assistance of microorganisms is evident in the case of copper nanoparticles produced by copper-resistant Escherichia sp. SINT7. These biogenic nanoparticles showed significant potential in degrading azo dyes, textile effluents, and industrial wastewater, emphasizing their sustainable application in various industries. Additionally, the use of microorganisms like Pseudoalteromonas sp. CF10-13 in the preparation of iron-sulfur nanoparticles provides an eco-friendly method for biodegradation, inhibiting the production of harmful gases and metal complexes.

Nanotechnology and Enzyme technology

Microorganisms not only directly contribute to nanoparticle production but also play a role in boosting nanotechnology by providing catalytic enzymes. This collaborative approach, combining microorganisms and nanoparticles, holds promise for efficient remediation of industrial effluents. Overall, the synergy between microorganisms and nanotechnology offers a superior and sustainable technology for wastewater bioremediation and industrial waste management.

Combining enzymes with nanotechnology is crucial to mitigate the potential harm of nanomaterials to the environment. Enzyme molecules, when present with nanomaterials, reduce cell interactions through steric hindrances and lower surface energy, enhancing the adaptability and efficiency of nanomaterials in bioremediation and green energy production. Immobilizing enzymes on nanomaterials results in increased stability, resistance to unfolding, multiple-use capability, and improved kinetic characteristics. The large surface area of nanomaterials facilitates efficient enzyme immobilization and separation from reaction blends, especially when using magnetic nanomaterials as immobilizing matrices.

Studies demonstrate the effectiveness of combining enzyme technology with nanotechnology. For example, immobilized peroxidase enzymes on glutaraldehyde-modified iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles showed stability in pH and temperature, successfully removing green and red azo dyes from wastewater. Laccase immobilization on Fe3O4 and chitosan composites, as well as Fe3O4@C-Cu2+ nanoparticles, exhibited high enzyme activities, loading capacity, and stability, effectively degrading pollutants and synthetic dyes. Immobilized lignin peroxidase on Fe3O4@SiO2@polydopamine nanoparticles and recombinant cyanate hydratase on iron-oxide-filled magnetic MWCNTs demonstrated enhanced pollutant removal compared to free enzymes.

Valorization of Waste Using Microorganisms and Nanotechnology

The integration of microorganisms and nanotechnology has emerged as a powerful approach for the valorization of waste, facilitating the conversion of waste materials into valuable products. This strategy not only helps in waste reduction but also contributes to the sustainable production of various resources. In industries, this practice is extensively employed for the creation of diverse products, including adsorbents, clinker, biogas, biohydrogen, and biomolecules. Nanotechnology plays a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency of waste conversion processes, exemplified by its application in dark fermentation reactions for biohydrogen production. Nanoparticles have been successfully utilized to supplement fermentative bacteria, leading to increased biohydrogen yields. Studies demonstrate that the use of multiple nanoparticles can further enhance biohydrogen production, showcasing the potential of nanotechnology in green energy generation for sustainable industrial growth and eco-friendly production.

Strengths:

Comprehensive scope: The article covers various nanotechnological approaches like adsorption, filtration, enzyme immobilization, and biovalorization, making it informative and relevant to a broad audience.
Microorganism focus: The emphasis on using microorganisms for green synthesis of nanomaterials and enhancing biodegradation processes aligns with sustainable principles and reduces reliance on potentially harmful chemicals.
Case studies and examples: Including specific examples of nanomaterials like MWCNTs, iron oxide nanoparticles, and enzyme-immobilized magnetic composites strengthens the arguments and showcases practical applications.
Future perspective: Highlighting challenges like commercialization and potential solutions like government support offers a realistic outlook and encourages further research and development.

Points for further exploration:

Environmental risks: While acknowledging the advantages of biogenic nanomaterials, it would be beneficial to discuss potential environmental risks of their unintended release or long-term effects.
Cost-effectiveness: Although mentioned, a more detailed analysis of the cost comparison between conventional and nanotechnology-based approaches would be valuable for practical implementation.
Regulatory landscape: Addressing the existing regulations and potential hurdles in adopting nanotechnology for wastewater treatment would provide guidance for future development.
Social implications: Briefly discussing the potential societal benefits and concerns associated with nanotechnology integration in wastewater management could broaden the scope of the discussion.

Overall, the article effectively highlights the potential of microbial nanotechnology for industrial wastewater treatment. By addressing the suggested points for further exploration, the work can be even more impactful and contribute to the development of sustainable and efficient solutions for environmental protection.

Reference:

MANDEEP AND SHUKLA, P., 2020. Microbial nanotechnology for bioremediation of industrial wastewater. Frontiers in Microbiology, 11, p.590631.