Role of Microbes and Microbiomes in Solid Waste Management for Ecosystem Restoration

Solid waste disposal is a major issue that is getting worse every day as more people move into cities. Solid waste disposal in India and other developing nations frequently involves open dumping and incineration. This practice increases both health risks and already existing pollution issues. To solve this issue with the least amount of environmental impact possible, it is urgently necessary to employ sustainable techniques. There are many environmentally friendly ways to manage solid waste, including composting, vermicomposting, and anaerobic digestion, with additional benefits like generating byproducts. Among them, biological agents play a significant role in solid waste management. This chapter overviews solid waste management and a long-term solution using biological agents and microbes. The distinctive characteristics of microorganisms can be effectively used to revive the environment. Microorganisms can be used as “miracle cures” for biodegradation and remediation of contaminated sites. Today, microorganisms and nanotechnology are used in nano-bioremediation to clean up radioactive waste effectively. Additionally, using genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in severely polluted areas makes the microorganisms beneficial for human welfare and ecosystem restoration. Numerous environmental phenomena, both natural and man-made, depend on microorganisms for maintenance. They perform beneficial roles that improve and optimize human life. Waste management is one of these areas where microorganisms are being used. The proper disposal of the vast amounts of waste that people produce throughout the course of a day presents a significant challenge, one that the government and environmental organizations are constantly looking for new solutions to. Utilizing microorganisms is a crucial component of effectively combating this threat. It discusses the numerous functions of microorganisms in the environment, such as the management of solid waste, and it concludes by highlighting some recent developments in microbiological solid waste management.

Keywords: Contamination, Environment, Microbes, Solid waste management.