Environmental Biotechnology for Medical Waste Management: A Review of Current Practices and Future Directions

Abstract

The increasing environmental and human health concerns associated with medical waste have led to the development of environmental biotechnology as a means of mitigating its negative effects. This review paper discusses the various types of medical waste generated in healthcare facilities, as well as the potential environmental and health impacts of improper handling and disposal. It also provides an overview of the different environmental biotechnologies that have been developed to treat medical waste, including bioreactor systems, microbial treatment, and composting. The benefits and drawbacks of these technologies are also discussed. Bioremediation is a promising environmental biotechnology that can be used to treat medical waste contaminated with hazardous chemicals. Case studies from around the world demonstrate the successful application of environmental biotechnologies to medical waste management. These case studies highlight the challenges encountered, the methods used, and the results obtained. The findings of this review paper highlight the need for a comprehensive strategy for managing medical waste that includes environmental biotechnologies. Further research and development are needed to improve the effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability of medical waste management.

Generation, types and impacts of biomedical waste during COVID-19: Indian context

“…To avoid these impacts, most countries are switching to environmentally friendly and cost-effective techniques to dispose of biomedical waste. These techniques may help to mitigate the adverse impacts of waste on human health and the environment by inhibiting harmful substances [ 48 ]. However, it also encounters certain limits and difficulties while applying biotechnology in waste management, like moral, social, legal, and economic concerns.…”

“…It is the process of using living organisms or their by-products to treat or degrade toxins into less toxic or nontoxic substances that are present in the environment [ 49 ]. The enzymes that are genetically modified and have high activity, known as recombinant enzymes, may be utilized to treat medical waste [ 48 ]. One of the most promising examples of such an enzyme is Horseradish peroxidase (HRP), which can be used to degrade medical waste.…”

“…One of the most promising examples of such an enzyme is Horseradish peroxidase (HRP), which can be used to degrade medical waste. Various organic pollutants like phenols and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are usually identified in medical waste and can be easily catalyzed by HRP comprising the heme group [ 48 ]. Another example of a recombinant enzyme that can be used in the bioremediation of medical waste is Laccase.…”

“…Another example of a recombinant enzyme that can be used in the bioremediation of medical waste is Laccase. Laccase, an enzyme containing copper, can promote the oxidation of various organic compounds, including lignin, a complex polymer found in plant matter and a significant proportion of some medical waste streams [ 48 ]. A study reveals that the saprophytic, Coprophilic fungus Periconiella sp.…”

“…within around 40 days [ 46 ]. Other examples of such useful enzymes include lipases, proteases, and cellulases which can degrade lipids, proteins, and celluloses, respectively [ 48 ].…”