Bioremediation: Perspectives of the use biopolymers systems for slow release nutrients

Abstract

Biostimulation (microbial stimulation) is the most effective bioremediation strategy, thus it's widely used in Brazil, and is highlighted for its simplicity and low cost. In biostimulation, polymeric systems are used in controlled release of nutrients (SRN) in order to maintain their adequate concentration to stimulate xenobiotic molecule-degrading microorganisms. The use of biopolymers systems ensures biodegradability, low cost and low toxicity over synthetic ones. Despite advances in studies with naturally occurring polymers, few are used as SRN for bioremediation applications. Thus, there are still remaining gaps to be filled concerning release efficiency, and effects on microbial growth and degradation of xenobiotics. Therefore, this work aims to explore the results and advances of these biopolymeric systems used in SRN and their future perspectives in bioremediation.