European Research Center for Social Development

Tag: Bioremediation

  • Microbial biosurfactants: A review of recent environmental applications

    Microbial biosurfactants: A review of recent environmental applications

    The authors explain that microbial biosurfactants are low-molecular-weight, surface-active compounds that have gained significant industrial interest due to their chemical stability across various environmental conditions.

    The researchers point out that the specific chemistry and production cost of a biosurfactant are determined by the choice of microorganism, the substrate used, and the purification strategy. Currently, the primary field of application for these compounds is solving environmental problems, particularly the bioremediation of soils contaminated with hydrocarbons or heavy metals.

    According to the study, biosurfactants act as chelating agents when dealing with heavy metals. However, their more typical environmental mechanism involves reducing surface tension to facilitate the emulsification and solubilization of pollutants, a process often used in biostimulation or bioaugmentation.

    The authors also highlight that while biosurfactants generally have low toxicity, they can function as biocidal agents at higher concentrations. Furthermore, the review emphasizes that using organic waste as a substrate via solid-state fermentation has increased the relevance of biosurfactants within a circular economy.

    Ultimately, the paper summarizes recent research on biosurfactants as an alternative to chemical surfactants and presents novel strategies for their use as agricultural and biocidal agents.

    Learn more about this study here: https://doi.org/10.1080/21655979.2022.2074621

    Reference:

    Eras-Muñoz, E., Farré, A., Sánchez, A., Font, X., & Gea, T. (2022). Microbial biosurfactants: A review of recent environmental applications. Bioengineered, 13(5), 12365–12391.

  • Recent Advances in Nano-Enabled Seed Treatment Strategies for Sustainable Agriculture: Challenges, Risk Assessment, and Future Perspectives

    Recent Advances in Nano-Enabled Seed Treatment Strategies for Sustainable Agriculture: Challenges, Risk Assessment, and Future Perspectives

    While the journey of a crop begins with a single seed, the authors explain that this tiny starting point is often the most vulnerable to the harsh environmental stresses that threaten our global food supply.

    The researchers point out that while traditional chemical treatments can boost germination, they frequently cause lasting damage to our ecosystems, creating an urgent need for more sustainable technologies like nano-based agrochemicals. According to the study, these advanced materials can improve seed viability while reducing the toxic side effects of standard treatments by allowing for a more controlled release of active ingredients.

    However, the authors also highlight that moving these technologies into the field raises significant questions regarding safety, exposure levels, and potential risks to both human health and the environment. In this comprehensive review, the researchers discuss the development and scope of these treatments while carefully assessing the obstacles to their widespread use and commercial potential.

    They emphasize the pressing need for new policy regulations to manage these risks effectively. Ultimately, the authors present this work as a foundation for understanding the next generation of seed treatments, aiming to provide a deeper look at how nanotechnology could reshape farming while acknowledging the safety challenges we must still overcome.

    Learn more about this study: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40820-023-01025-5

    Reference:

    Shelar, A., Nile, S. H., Singh, A. V., Rothenstein, D., Bill, J., Xiao, J., Chaskar, M., Kai, G., & Patil, R. (2023). Recent Advances in Nano-Enabled Seed Treatment Strategies for Sustainable Agriculture: Challenges, Risk Assessment, and Future Perspectives. Nano-Micro Letters, 15(1), 54.