Application of genetically modified microorganisms for bioremediation of polluted environments

Bioremediation arises as a feasible solution to treat those pollutants that are highly complicated to be degraded. Several human actions pollute the environment, even without us realizing it, such as the daily use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers on crops. Also, those products obtained directly from industrial activities such as dyes, heavy metals, or even those substances generated by humans as xenobiotics. For a long time, these contaminants have been treated based on conventional treatments. Currently, genetically modified microorganisms (GEMs) have attracted attention as an alternative solution against environmental pollution. Genetic engineering tools facilitate the crossing, manipulation, or modification of genetic information by generating enhanced organisms used in bioremediation. Therefore, GEMs present a significant potential for bioremediation of air, soil, water and activated sludge environments. This new approach of optimizing the effectiveness of GEMs exhibits vital importance in the degradation of residues from plastic waste, food, textile and oil industry. Although GEMs have been highly studied and present minimal risks to the environment, they still lack a regulatory approach, generating some risks. Regulations control and limit the GEM research and applications based on the feat of the collective towards a modified organism.