Sustainable Bioremediation: Addressing new age environmental pollution

Alok Prasad Das · Akbar John

Sep 2026 · Springer Nature

Ebook

314

Pages

About this ebook

Bioremediation, a process that harnesses the power of nature to clean up pollution, has emerged as a sustainable and cost-effective solution to address the growing threat of emerging environmental contaminants. As human activities continue to release a myriad of novel chemicals into the environment, traditional remediation methods often prove inadequate. Bioremediation, on the other hand, offers a promising alternative by leveraging the metabolic capabilities of microorganisms and plants to degrade or immobilize these pollutants. The urgency of this subject matter is underscored by the alarming rate at which emerging contaminants are infiltrating our ecosystems. For instance, microplastics, pharmaceuticals, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are increasingly detected in water bodies, soils, and even human tissues. These contaminants pose significant risks to human health and wildlife, disrupting endocrine systems, impairing immune function, and causing developmental disorders. Statistical evidence further highlights the pressing need for innovative solutions. A recent study by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) revealed that plastic pollution has reached epidemic proportions, with an estimated 8 million metric tons entering the oceans annually. Similarly, the World Health Organization (WHO) has reported the widespread presence of pharmaceuticals in water sources, raising concerns about potential long-term health impacts. By harnessing the natural biodegradation processes of microorganisms and plants, bioremediation offers a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to mitigate these challenges.

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About the author

Dr. Alok Prasad Das is an accomplished academician and researcher currently serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Life Sciences at Rama Devi Women’s University. With over 16 years of teaching and research experience, his work focuses on environmental biotechnology, microbial remediation, circular bioeconomy, and sustainable waste management.
Dr. Das has made significant scholarly contributions with over 150+ SCOPUS-indexed publications, 60 book chapters, and 15 edited books, along with several more in progress. His research impact is reflected in a high citation record (over 8,900 citations) and a strong h-index 52, highlighting his influence in the fields of environmental microbiology and waste valorization. He has also been actively involved in funded research, leading multiple national projects supported by agencies such as DST and DBT, Government of India.
In addition to his research excellence, Dr. Das plays a prominent role in academic publishing. He serves as Associate Editor and Guest Editor for several reputed international journals, including Marine Pollution Bulletin, Journal of Geomicrobiology, and Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, and has led numerous special issues on emerging environmental challenges. He is also a Book Series Editor with leading publishers. Dr. Das has been recognized with prestigious honors including the Odisha Young Scientist Award and has contributed extensively to capacity building through invited talks, supervision of postgraduate and doctoral scholars, and international collaborations. His interdisciplinary approach and editorial leadership continue to shape advancements in sustainable environmental technologies and circular economy strategies.

Dr. Akbar John is an Associate Professor of Marine Science and Aquatic Biology at the Sharjah Marine Science Research Centre (SMSRC), University of Khorfakkan, United Arab Emirates. With over 140 research papers and three books to his credit, his work focuses on marine biodiversity, conservation genomics, and marine pollution management in alignment with global sustainability goals. As a member of the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC), Dr. John established a global biorepository for extant xiphosurans in collaboration with 20 leading international institutions. His global impact was recognized by the Indianapolis Zoo, which named him a Top 10 finalist for the 2023 Emerging Conservationist Award. He is currently leading the development of a marine species biorepository for the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman to support the sustainable management of regional fishery resources.

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