Microorganism

The conservation of different ecosystems around the world is one of the major requirements for environmental protection. Large quantities of waste are generated everyday around the world due to continuous advancement in industrialization and urbanization. Improper management of waste, wastewaters, and contaminants has led to endangered sustainability, posing a threat to humankind in the long term. Remediation and restoration of polluted environments using effective and green technologies is necessary for development of sustainable and habitable ecosystem for future generations. Microorganisms can be used effectively in this context due to their astonishing metabolic activity and diverse nutritional requirements. Microbes are widely employed for biodegradation, bioleaching, bioaugmentation, biostimulation, biocomposting, nitrogen fixation, improving soil fertility, and in the production of plant growth hormones. Microbes are treasure and can contribute to environmental safety and sustainable development, if exploited judiciously. This chapter attempts to highlight role of different microorganisms in the environment and waste management for sewage and soil treatment, waste water treatment, oil, and heavy metal contamination, including other applications.