Restoring nature with microbes: bioremediation in the world’s biodiversity hotspots

Abstract

Megadiverse countries, which collectively harbor over 70% of the planet's terrestrial biodiversity, play a crucial role in global conservation efforts. However, many of these nations, primarily in the developing world, face significant environmental challenges that threaten biodiversity, including pollution, habitat loss, and climate change. Among these issues, pollution-driven by industrialization, agriculture, and improper waste disposal-has emerged as a critical concern, particularly for water and soil ecosystems. Bioremediation, a biological approach to mitigate environmental pollution, has gained prominence as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to conventional physicochemical methods. This study explores microbial bioremediation research and scales up in megadiverse developing countries, focusing on hydrocarbon and wastewater pollution. Here, we conduct a meta-analysis of the literature and examine the underlying factors that contribute to disparities in the development and implementation of bioremediation initiatives. Given the growing urgency of pollution control in biodiversity-rich regions, understanding the role of microbial communities in bioremediation is essential. By leveraging biological solutions, megadiverse nations can address pollution challenges while preserving their unique ecosystems. This review highlights existing bioremediation practices, their successes, and the potential for further implementation to safeguard both environmental and human health.