Bioremediation of pesticide-contaminated soil: a review on indispensable role of soil bacteria

Purpose: Scientists have identified a plenty of bacterial strains having ability to degrade pesticide residues accumulated in the environment. Due to wide variation of chemical properties of pesticides, a single strain may not be versatile. Hence, identification of bioremediation ability of various bacteria is important. This review focused on understanding and explaining the role of soil bacteria having pesticide detoxification ability. Research Method: Previous research articles, book chapters and literature on bioremediation ability of different soil bacteria were reviewed and various strains of soil bacteria having bioremediation ability, mechanisms behind microbial bioremediation, factors affecting bioremediation and limitations and recent advancements of bioremediation were identified. Based on identified research gaps, further perspectives were introduced. Findings: The results revealed that plenty of soil bacteria having a bioremediation potential have been identified worldwide. As the major mechanism of bioremediation, the microorganisms consume pesticide-contaminated in the soil as their energy or nutrient sources. Various factors such as Bioavailability, Substrate and Environmental factors effect on bioremediation potential. Biostimulation, Bioaugmentation, Biopiling, Composting, Bioreactors and Land farming are identified as popular bioremediation methods suitable for the bioremediation of pesticide contaminants. However, this technique still remains partially developed due to the lack of versatile microorganisms for detoxifying variety of different pesticides. Originality/Value: As this is still a developing area, conducting further researches is timely important. Hence, reviewing literature and identifying already covered areas are important in mitigating the research gap. Therefore, focusing further research goals for the researchers is greatly helpful.