RT Journal Article
T1 Biodegradation of Emerging Contaminants Controlled by Biological and Chemical Factors
A1 Mqambalala, Avela
A1 Maleke, Maleke
A1 Osman, Jorge R.
A1 Castillo Hernández, Julio Cesar
AB Emerging contaminants (ECs) are organic compounds, including pharmaceuticals, personal care products, pesticides, and other chemicals, that are linked to harmful effects on aquatic environments. Indigenous microorganisms often act as natural barriers by breaking down these contaminants into less harmful substances. However, not all biological processes result in the complete biodegradation of ECs, and specific conditions must be met for this to occur. These conditions are influenced by chemical and biological factors such as seasonal variations, oxygen availability, nutrient levels, ECs concentrations, and the types of microorganisms present in the aquatic environment, all of which can either enhance or inhibit ECs biodegradation. This review provides a thorough examination of the chemical properties and factors that influence the fate of ECs in aquatic environments, discussing the impact of these factors on microbial degradation of ECs through metabolic and co-metabolic processes. Finally, this review  emphasizes the importance of integrating interdisciplinary studies that consider diverse key factors to offer a more holistic and accurate understanding of ECs’ biodegradation in aquatic systems.
PB MDPI
SN 2076-2607 (electrónico)
YR 2025
FD 2025
LK https://hdl.handle.net/10272/27372
UL https://hdl.handle.net/10272/27372
LA eng
NO Mqambalala, A., Maleke, M., Osman, J. R., & Hernández, J. C. (2025). Biodegradation of Emerging Contaminants Controlled by Biological and Chemical Factors. Microorganisms, 13(10), 2354. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13102354
NO The research was funded by the National Research Foundation (NRF), grant number (PMDS230718136664), the Technology Innovation Agency (SABDI 16/1070), and the Beatriz Galindo Senior Modality Program grant to the University of Huelva by the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities for financial support.
DS Repositorio Institucional de la Universidad de Huelva
RD 31 may 2026