Title: Sono-biodegradation: a promising alternative to existing bioremediation methodologies

Authors: Sistla Srinivas

Addresses: Biochemical and Environmental Engineering Center, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Tarnaka, Hyderabad 500 007, India; Department of Protein Chemistry and Technology, Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore 570 020, India

Abstract: Pollution of fresh water has become a serious concern today for developing countries. There are umpteen treatment methodologies and protocols, but still there exists a demand for new technologies for wastewater treatment. Extensive research on pollutants and increased toxicological studies have paved the way for new technologies, such as ultrasound treatment of pollutants and wastewater effluents. This review focuses on the various applications pertaining to ultrasound treatment of pollutants, and best methods are highlighted as promising technologies. One such method is sono-biodegradation, wherein refractory pollutants are subjected first to sonication, and then biodegradation. Such an advanced environmental biotechnology-based approach may have far-reaching applications in environmental bioremediation of toxic pollutants.

Keywords: biodegradation; sonication; refractory pollutants; remediation; acoustic cavitations; biotechnology; bioremediation; sono-biodegradation; effluent; mineralisation; fresh water; water pollution; developing countries; wastewater treatment; ultrasound treatment.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEP.2010.035925

International Journal of Environment and Pollution, 2010 Vol.43 No.1/2/3, pp.214 - 220

Published online: 09 Oct 2010 *

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