Bioengineered microbes for soil health restoration: present status and future

Abstract

According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), soil health is declining over the decades and it has an adverse impact on human health and food security. Hence, soil health restoration is a need of the hour. It is known that microorganisms play a vital role in remediation of soil pollutants like heavy metals, pesticides, hydrocarbons, etc. However, the indigenous microbes have a limited capacity to degrade these pollutants and it will be a slow process. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) can catalyze the degradation process as their altered metabolic pathways lead to hypersecretions of various biomolecules that favor the bioremediation process. This review provides an overview on the application of bioengineered microorganisms for the restoration of soil health by degradation of various pollutants. It also sheds light on the challenges of using GMOs in environmental application as their introduction may affect the normal microbial community in soil. Since soil health also refers to the potential of native organisms to survive, the possible changes in the native microbial community with the introduction of GMOs are also discussed. Finally, the future prospects of using bioengineered microorganisms in environmental engineering applications to make the soil fertile and healthy have been deciphered. With the alarming rates of soil health loss, the treatment of soil and soil health restoration need to be fastened to a greater pace and the combinatorial efforts unifying GMOs, plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria, and other soil amendments will provide an effective solution to soil heath restoration ten years ahead.

Distinctive patterns of soil microbial community during forest ecosystem restoration in southwestern China

“…The four genera are beneficial bacteria and play essential roles in nutrient cycling and soil restoration. Notably, Rhizobacter was reported to show profound perspectives for soil health restoration as their involved metabolic pathways can lead to hypersecretions of various biomolecules that favor the bioremediation process (Rebello et al, 2021). Plant residues and fallen leaves could convert into humus, increasing the content of OM and nutrients, which is effective for the survival of fungi from Ascomycota that can utilize the saprophytic environment (Li et al, 2020; Muszewska et al, 2014).…”

Plant microbe based remediation approaches in dye removal: A review

“… The introduction of a desired gene of interest into a microbe for a specific reason that is not normally found in the target host results in a genetically modified organism. Although the environment has a self-cleaning mechanism in response to climate and ecological stress, there is evidence that it would be inadequate and sluggish to remove contaminants [ 202 , 203 ]. Numerous chemical, physical and biological methods for the elimination of toxic chemicals including dyes have been explained.…”

Perspectives on Genetically Engineered Microorganisms and Their Regulation in the United States

“…GEMs also have a role to play in bioremediation from degrading hydrocarbons, pesticides, plastics, and heavy metals. Besides degrading the usual organic matter and returning nutrients to the soil, GEMs can break down xenobiotic compounds as well . Several microorganisms have shown broad efficacy against toxic pesticides like profenofos, pyrethroids, and endosulfan. − They have also been successful in treating soils contaminated with toxic hydrocarbons , and heavy metals .…”