Recent advances in bioremediation by metagenomics-based approach for pharmaceutical derived pollutants

Many synthetic and semi-synthetic chemicals are been synthesized all around the world for a variety of purposes, such as pharmaceuticals, pesticides, etc. They are persistent and bioaccumulate in the environment and cause severe hazards to living beings as they are potentially carcinogenic, mutagenic, toxic, and genotoxic. The remediation process must be followed to avoid the exaggeration of these noxious chemicals. Bioremediation is a promising technology that uses natural microorganisms like fungi, bacteria, algae, etc. to remediate or detoxify the harmful pollutants found in the contaminated environment. Cow dung also called gomeya is a well-known bioremediation product as they are cost-effective and easily available. In addition, it also contains certain bacteria and fungi, such as fecal Streptococcus, Sarcina, Nocardia, Aspergillus, Penicillium, etc. which has got the efficiency to detoxify the harmful pollutants. Periconiella is a common species of fungus present in cow dung that acts as an excellent biowaste degrader. Earthworms also bioaccumulate metallic elements in their tissues, especially chloragocytes, and detoxify heavy metals in their intestine. Cow dung and other slurry and easily available in many rural areas and they are used to bioremediate various harmful pollutants present in the environment. Various naturally available bacteria, fungi, and plants have shown a wide potential in the removal of pharmaceutical waste products.