Environmental pollution caused by industrialisation and urbanization has increased the need for sustainable and eco-friendly technologies for pollution control and environmental management. The present study aimed to investigate the potential of microorganisms for environmental biotechnology applications, with emphasis on bioremediation, carbon capture, wastewater treatment, and environmental monitoring. Soil samples collected from polluted sites were used for the isolation and characterisation of bacteria with desirable environmental attributes. Morphological, microscopic, and biochemical analyses tentatively identified the selected isolates as probable Pseudomonas species, Bacillus species, and Morganella morganii. These isolates exhibited resistance to heavy metals, the ability to utilize hydrocarbons, potential plastic degradation, and good adaptability to pollutant-stressed conditions, indicating their suitability for bioremediation.
Microalgae were cultivated under bicarbonate-supplemented conditions to evaluate their carbon sequestration potential. Enhanced biomass production and positive lipid accumulation demonstrated their applicability for atmospheric CO₂ capture and renewable biofuel production. Microbial biofilms were also developed and assessed for wastewater treatment, where stable biofilm formation and a noticeable reduction in wastewater turbidity confirmed their effectiveness in pollutant removal.
The study successfully achieved all the proposed objectives and demonstrated that bacteria, microalgae, and microbial biofilms can be integrated into a sustainable environmental biotechnology system. The findings highlight the potential of microbial resources as cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternatives for pollution remediation, wastewater treatment, carbon management, and environmental monitoring. This work provides a scientific foundation for future molecular characterisation, process optimisation, and large-scale implementation of microbial technologies for sustainable environmental management.
