Microbial communities play an important role in environmental engineering
by providing natural solutions for pollution control, waste treatment, and resource
recovery. This chapter will explore the complex dynamics of microbes in engineered
systems, which are involved in the complex biogeochemical processes, specifically
those engaged during the breakdown of toxic organic pollutants to less harmful
substances and the cycling of nutrients in the ecosystem. The main focus involves the
composition, functions, and interactions of the microbial colonies. For instance, in the
field of wastewater treatment, bacteria like Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter play a vital
role in processes like nitrification; in addition to that, other microbes like Pseudomonas
aeruginosa and Burkholderia pseudomallei are efficient in degrading hydrocarbons.
Some microbes act as heavy metal reducers, like Bacillus sp., Acinetobacter schindleri,
and Rhodococcus sp., which have the potential to reduce Chromium (VI). Other than
these, some microbes, such as Citrobacter amalonaticus and Enterobacter cloacae, are
also effective in degrading different pollutants. Environmental microbiome engineering
is one of the emerging strategies in mitigating climate change, which is basically
modified to enhance ecosystem functions.
Keywords: Environmental engineering, Heavy metals, Microbial communities, Microbial dynamics, Waste treatment.
