Addressing Challenges for Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Wastewater Treatment Solutions Using Extremophile Microorganisms

Hassan Mohamad Anabtawi, Amir Ikhlaq, Sandeep Kumar, Safa Rafique and Ashraf Aly Hassan ()
Additional contact information
Hassan Mohamad Anabtawi: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
Amir Ikhlaq: Institute of Environmental Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology Lahore, G.T Road, Staff Houses Engineering University Lahore, Lahore 39161, Pakistan
Sandeep Kumar: Department of Physics, Punjab Engineering College, Sector 12, Chandigarh 160012, India
Safa Rafique: School of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of the Punjab, Lahore 54590, Pakistan
Ashraf Aly Hassan: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 6, 1-33

Abstract: The pressure on the environment from wastewater has been increasing in line with industrialization and urbanization, thus calling for better and eco-friendly solutions for wastewater treatment. Extremophilic microorganisms, which can grow in extreme conditions including high salinity, acidity, and temperature, can be applied in wastewater bioremediation. This review assesses the various functions of extremophiles, halophiles, thermophiles, alkaliphiles, and acidophiles in the treatment of organic and inorganic pollutants. They are capable of catabolizing a wide range of hazardous chemicals, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, phenolic compounds, and heavy metals. Moreover, extremophilic microalgae, like Galdieria sulphuraria, have been effective in nutrient removal, biosorption of heavy metals, and pollutant conversion into valuable biomass. This dual-functioning, therefore, helps not only in wastewater treatment but also in the production of biofuel and biofertilizer, making the process cost-effective. The use of extremophiles in biofilm reactors improves pollutant removal, with less energy input. Extremophilic microorganisms can, therefore, be used to revolutionize wastewater management by providing green solutions to current treatment approaches. This review discusses the existing drawbacks of wastewater treatment along with the additional requirements needed to enhance the capability of bioremediation and potential future research.

Keywords: extremophiles; wastewater treatment; bioremediation; halophiles; microalgae (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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