Applications of Bioremediation and Emerging Trends in Bioremediation

8. Sustainability goals and Bioremediation

Bioremediation, the use of microorganisms or plants to clean up environmental pollutants, plays a significant role in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those under the "Planet" pillar of Agenda 2030, which focus on environmental protection and sustainable resource use.

 Bioremediation technologies help address pollution from oil, heavy metals, and other toxic compounds, supporting SDGs related to clean water (SDG 6), sustainable cities (SDG 11), responsible consumption and production (SDG 12), climate action (SDG 13), and life on land and below water (SDGs 14 and 15) by restoring contaminated environments and reducing ecological risks

Microbial and plant-based bioremediation not only detoxifies pollutants but can also generate valuable byproducts such as biofuels and biofertilizers, contributing to circular economy principles and food security (SDG 2).

Recent advances in genomics and biotechnology are enhancing the efficiency and scope of bioremediation, making it a more viable and sustainable alternative to traditional chemical or physical remediation methods. Nevertheless, obstacles still exist, including the necessity for wider use outside of lab settings and the partial degradation of contaminants and policy integration to fully achieve bioremediation's promise in accomplishing SDGs. It is necessary to incorporate SDG-focused bioremediation techniques into university curricula and scientific funding in order to hasten the achievement of these global sustainability goals.