Topic: Microbial Technologies for Emerging Contaminant Removal and Environmental Remediation

In recent years, with the advancement of science and technology and the improvement of living standards, many emerging pollutants have appeared in the environment, including microplastics, antibiotics, personal care products, surfactants, persistent organic pollutants, etc. These pollutants are widely distributed in the water environment and soil, posing serious threats to the ecology. Consequently, various technologies and strategies have been developed for abatement of these emerging contaminants and environmental remediation. Among them, the utilization of microbial organisms is prioritized because it is more renewable and environmentally friendly than other chemical treatment methods. Microbial bioremediation and mitigation strategies are influenced by numerous factors in expanded treatment scenarios and operational environments.

This Special Issue focuses on the development and utilization of microbial (bacteria, fungi, and algae) technologies for the elimination of emerging contaminants and environmental remediation, and also discusses the challenges and future prospects of using microorganisms to eliminate emerging contaminants. Original research reports, review articles, communications, and perspectives are welcomed across all areas pertinent to the emerging pollutant bioremediation.

Proposed topics include, but are not limited to: 

1. Biodegradation and transformation of emerging contaminants (microplastics, antibiotics, personal care products, surfactants, persistent organic pollutants, etc.);

2. The characteristics of biotoxicity, environmental persistence, and bioaccumulation of emerging contaminants;

3. Interactions and combined toxic effects between emerging pollutants (for example, microplastics, antibiotics, and antibiotic resistance genes) and between emerging pollutants and environmental pollutants (such as microplastics and heavy metals); 

4. Migration characteristics of emerging pollutants and combined pollutants;

5. Natural weathering processes of emerging pollutants, including ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, mechanical fragmentation, biodegradation, etc.

31 Dec 2024