Nano-bioremediation: an eco-friendly and effective step towards petroleum hydrocarbon removal from environment.

Global concern about petroleum hydrocarbon pollution has intensified and gained scientific interest due to its noxious nature, high persistence in environmental matrices, and low degradability. One way to address this is by combining remediation techniques that could overcome the constraints of traditional physio-chemical and biological remediation strategies. The upgraded concept of bioremediation to nano-bioremediation in this direction offers an efficient, economical, and eco-friendly approach to mitigate petroleum contaminants. Here, we review the unique attributes of different types of nanoparticles and their synthesis procedures in remediating various petroleum pollutants. This review also highlights the microbial interaction with different metallic nanoparticles and their consequential alteration in microbial as well as enzymatic activity which expedites the remediating process. Besides, the latter part of the review explores the application of petroleum hydrocarbon degradation and the application of nano supports as immobilizing agents for microbes and enzymes. Further, the challenges and the future prospects of nano-bioremediation have also been discussed.

Correction: Removal of Petroleum Contaminants Through Bioremediation with Integrated Concepts of Resource Recovery: A Review.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1007/s12088-021-00928-4.].

Removal of Petroleum Contaminants Through Bioremediation with Integrated Concepts of Resource Recovery: A Review.

There is an upsurge in industrial production to meet the rising demands of the rapidly growing population globally. The enormous energy demand of the growing economies still depends upon petroleum. It has also resulted in environmental pollution due to the release of petroleum origin pollutants. Soil and aquifers, especially in the direct impact zones of petroleum refineries, are the worst hit. The integrated concept of bioremediation and resource recovery offers a sustainable solution to mitigate environmental pollution. It involves biodegradation, a benign utilization of toxic wastes, and the recycling of natural resources. Bioremediation is considered an integral contributor to the emerging concepts of bio-economy and sustainable development goals. This review article aims to provide an updated overview of bioremediation involving petroleum-based contaminants. Microbial degradation is discussed as a promising strategy for petroleum refinery effluent and sludge treatment. The review also provides an insight into resource reuse and recovery as a holistic approach towards sustainable refinery waste treatment. Furthermore, the integrated technologies that deserve in-depth exploration for future study in the refinery sector are highlighted in the present study.