Biotechnological Innovations in Radioactive Waste Management Technologies

The field of managing radioactive waste is changing due to biotechnological advancements, which present viable substitutes for conventional techniques that are frequently pricy, risky, and less environmentally friendly. This review delves into the most recent developments in biotechnology that support the safe, effective, and ecologically responsible handling of radioactive waste. The creation of genetically modified microbes with bioremediation capabilities—using their metabolic processes to either immobilize or change radionuclides into less dangerous forms—is one of the major advances in this field. Advances in phytoremediation, which uses plants to absorb, sequester, or detoxify pollutants from soil and water, provide a natural and aesthetically beautiful cleanup option, complement these microbiological techniques. In addition, new materials for containment and extraction procedures are being created by engineering biopolymers and bio-based materials to selectively bind and concentrate radioactive elements. Our understanding of microbial and plant mechanisms in radioactive environments has improved with the integration of omics technologies, including proteomics, metabolomics, and genomes. This has led to more focused and effective applications. Furthermore, synthetic biology is making it possible to create unique microbes that are suited to certain requirements for the handling of radioactive waste. These biotechnology methods are in line with sustainability and green chemistry principles, while also reducing the concerns related to radioactive waste. The study emphasizes how important it is for multidisciplinary research to bring together environmental science, engineering, and microbiology in order to advance these technologies from lab research to practical applications. Alongside the application of biotechnological technologies in radioactive waste management, it also addresses the ethical, societal, and regulatory issues. This review attempts to provide a thorough grasp of how biotechnology might change radioactive waste management and contribute to the protection of the environment and public health through a thorough evaluation of present technologies and future directions.