Microbes for sustainable Wastewater Treatment: Nature’s Cleanup Crew
*Dipali Gupta
Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences, RNB Global University, Ganganagar Road, Bikaner - 334601 (India) dipali.gupta@rnbglobal.edu.in
ABSTRACT
Realizing the vitality of water for existence, the United Nations has identified water quality management as an urgent concern and included this in Sustainable Development Goal 6.3 in 2015. Microbebased wastewater treatment is a viable and eco-friendly solution to the problems caused by industrial and urban wastewater. Numerous microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, algae, and archaea, are employed in this process because they break down organic contaminants, remove nutrients, and disinfect water. In addition, certain bacterial strains help in the process of denitrification, which turns nitrogen molecules into nitrogen gas that is safe for humans to breathe. Several advanced microbial-based sustainable techniques have been investigated thoroughly, including the use of bioflocculants, microbial-based bionanoparticles, microbial fuel cells, etc. Other cutting-edge technologies include Aerobic Granular Sludge (AGS) technology, and an Up-flow Bio Electrochemical Filter Reactor (UBEFR). Enrichment of the reactor tank with Nitrogen-Removing Bacteria (NRB) further enhances the efficiency of the wastewater treatment system. The allencompassing methods not only generate clean water that can be released or recycled, but they also take care of issues with pathogen inactivation and nutrient removal. To ensure a cleaner and healthier environment for present and future generations, research and development in the field of microbial wastewater treatment should continue to increase efficiency, lower energy consumption, and support sustainable water management practices.