Application of Biofilms on Remediation of Pollutants - An Overview

Abstract

During the last few decades, extensive attention has been paid on the management of environmental pollution caused by hazardous pollutants such as heavy metals and various xenobiotic compounds. Biofilms are structured microbial communities in which the microbial cells irreversibly attach to a surface or interface and become embedded in a matrix of extracellular polymeric substances produced by these cells. Biofilms have been found to be suitable for the remediation of pollutants because of their high microbial biomass and ability to immobilize pollutants. Biofilm research in the natural environment of soil, sand, sediments and wetland vegetation has revealed the potential of biofilm having capability to treat wastewaters bearing several pollutants. This article provides an overview on the role of biofilms for the remediation of various pollutants from environment which will provide insights into this research frontier. Key words : Biofilm, Bioremediation, Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), Heavy metals, Xenobiotics,