Microbial Aspect in Wastewater Management: Biofilm

Abstract

Water, a universal solvent, is a significant component of biotic and abiotic factors. The increasing population is creating the advancement of industries and agriculture. But this advancement is also affecting the environment. Each sector needs to dispose of its waste product, and most of these are polluting surface and groundwater. The discharge includes hazardous pollutants, including heavy metals, radioactive elements, organic as well inorganic waste. This pollutant also causes eutrophication, inviting the growth of algae and bacteria in surface water, increasing the oxygen demand, and disturbing its physical and chemical properties. Water is also a natural habitat of many organisms and even supports life in the lithospherewater pollution affects both animal and plant kingdom. Extra care is needed while purification of water by various chemical and physical methods.Further, the chemicals may affect the microenvironment. Biodegradation can overcome the problem of pollution by chemicals. It is convenient as well as safer to use. Bioaugmentation is popularly used for decades to enhance the degradation procedure. The microbes metabolize the pollutant into a less toxic product. This chapter deals with these microbes and their mechanism involved in treating wastewater.

Diversity, Resistance Pattern and Level of Antibiotic Resistance Determinants Associated with Bacteria Isolated from Different Water Sources in Southwest Nigeria

“…It is used in various domestic activities such as drinking, bathing, cooking, and industrial processes. Although water is a universally important solvent, its role in disease transmission has been reported (Sharma & Sharma, 2022). Safe water consumption is critical for maintaining and promoting good health (Raimi et al, 2019).…”