Metagenomics Tools for Assessment of Microbial Diversity in Bioremediation: A Novel Statistical Approach

Nature has the ability to reduce accumulation of wastes; one of the known processes is using microorganisms. Bioremediation is an upcoming method wherein microbes are used to reduce harmful pollutants. Information related to culturable and uncultured microorganisms is difficult to obtain. Screening of microbiota in effluents can be effectively done using metagenomics which helps in providing information at the genomic level. It helps in overcoming conventional barriers of existing culture techniques by giving insight into any microbial colony. Metabolic degradative pathways can be added to emphasize a more productive way to convert pollutants into useful bioresources. Characterization of unculturable microbes by metagenomics can help to understand their natural ability to break down pollutants. Potent biodegradative genes can be identified in order to make use of a feasible microbial community. Monitoring of metabolic activity or identification of key genes can be done. Though the use of these techniques is at a beginning level, these tools can be applied to attenuate pollutants naturally.