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Addressing Challenges for Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Wastewater Treatment Solutions Using Extremophile Microorganisms

Author

Listed:
  • Hassan Mohamad Anabtawi

    (Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates)

  • Amir Ikhlaq

    (Institute of Environmental Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology Lahore, G.T Road, Staff Houses Engineering University Lahore, Lahore 39161, Pakistan)

  • Sandeep Kumar

    (Department of Physics, Punjab Engineering College, Sector 12, Chandigarh 160012, India)

  • Safa Rafique

    (School of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of the Punjab, Lahore 54590, Pakistan)

  • Ashraf Aly Hassan

    (Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates)

Abstract

The pressure on the environment from wastewater has been increasing in line with industrialization and urbanization, thus calling for better and eco-friendly solutions for wastewater treatment. Extremophilic microorganisms, which can grow in extreme conditions including high salinity, acidity, and temperature, can be applied in wastewater bioremediation. This review assesses the various functions of extremophiles, halophiles, thermophiles, alkaliphiles, and acidophiles in the treatment of organic and inorganic pollutants. They are capable of catabolizing a wide range of hazardous chemicals, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, phenolic compounds, and heavy metals. Moreover, extremophilic microalgae, like Galdieria sulphuraria, have been effective in nutrient removal, biosorption of heavy metals, and pollutant conversion into valuable biomass. This dual-functioning, therefore, helps not only in wastewater treatment but also in the production of biofuel and biofertilizer, making the process cost-effective. The use of extremophiles in biofilm reactors improves pollutant removal, with less energy input. Extremophilic microorganisms can, therefore, be used to revolutionize wastewater management by providing green solutions to current treatment approaches. This review discusses the existing drawbacks of wastewater treatment along with the additional requirements needed to enhance the capability of bioremediation and potential future research.

Suggested Citation

  • Hassan Mohamad Anabtawi & Amir Ikhlaq & Sandeep Kumar & Safa Rafique & Ashraf Aly Hassan, 2025. "Addressing Challenges for Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Wastewater Treatment Solutions Using Extremophile Microorganisms," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(6), pages 1-33, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:6:p:2339-:d:1607279
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Maria Rosa di Cicco & Maria Palmieri & Simona Altieri & Claudia Ciniglia & Carmine Lubritto, 2021. "Cultivation of the Acidophilic Microalgae Galdieria phlegrea with Wastewater: Process Yields," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(5), pages 1-16, February.
    2. Daniel Pleissner & Nicole Händel, 2023. "Algae Cultivation as Measure for the Sanitation of Organic Waste—A Case Study Based on the Alga Galdieria sulphuraria Grown on Food Waste Hydrolysate in a Continuous Flow Culture," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(19), pages 1-7, September.
    3. Yi-Bin Qi & Chen-Yu Wang & Cheng-Yuan Lv & Zeng-Min Lun & Cheng-Gang Zheng, 2017. "Removal Capacities of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) by a Newly Isolated Strain from Oilfield Produced Water," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(2), pages 1-12, February.
    4. Tsolanku Sidney Maliehe & Albertus Kotze Basson & Nkosinathi Goodman Dlamini, 2019. "Removal of Pollutants in Mine Wastewater by a Non-Cytotoxic Polymeric Bioflocculant from Alcaligenes faecalis HCB2," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(20), pages 1-17, October.
    5. Ana Teresa Luís & Francisco Córdoba & Catarina Antunes & Raul Loayza-Muro & José Antonio Grande & Bruna Silva & Jesus Diaz-Curiel & Eduardo Ferreira da Silva, 2021. "Extremely Acidic Eukaryotic (Micro) Organisms: Life in Acid Mine Drainage Polluted Environments—Mini-Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(1), pages 1-13, December.
    6. Lina Marcela Sanchez-Ledesma & Howard Ramírez-Malule & Jenny Alexandra Rodríguez-Victoria, 2023. "Volatile Fatty Acids Production by Acidogenic Fermentation of Wastewater: A Bibliometric Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-24, January.
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