Principles of green microbiology: The microbial blueprint for sustainable development

Abstract

Food, energy, pharmaceuticals, and plastics are some of the most commonly used commodities in the world. Their production and disposal are among the leading impediments to environmental sustainability. The use of pesticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilizers, and the release of methane and other pollutants from farms deposit harmful compounds on land and in water bodies. Similarly, the disposal of pharmaceutical waste, sludge from the production of fossil fuels, and the disposal of nonbiodegradable plastics destroy ecosystems and seep hazardous chemicals into the soil and water. Microbiology holds a viable solution to these threats to environmental sustainability through cleaner production and waste management. Green Microbiology is driven by sustainable microbial technologies that use microorganisms to produce renewable and biodegradable biofuels, nutritious and sustainable sources of food, and biodegradable alternatives to plastic, break down harmful waste completely or into less harmful compounds, and produce clean and renewable energy. This review highlights instances of the integration of microbial technologies that form the basis of green microbiology into conventional agricultural practices, manufacturing processes, and energy production to harness the benefits of microorganisms for environmental sustainability.

Keywords

• Environmental sustainability
• Green microbiology
• Microbial technologies
• Microorganisms
• Bioremediation