Abstract

Pesticide contamination of water bodies is a critical environmental issue that poses significant risks to aquatic ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. Traditional methods of removing pesticides from water, such as chemical treatments and physical filtration, often prove expensive and unsustainable. Microbial bioremediation has emerged as a promising alternative for the detoxification and removal of pesticide pollutants from contaminated waters. Various microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and algae, possess specialized enzymes and metabolic pathways that enable them to degrade, transform, or absorb pesticides, effectively mitigating their toxic effects. This review explores the microbial approaches used in bioremediation of pesticide-contaminated waters, focusing on the mechanisms involved in pesticide degradation, such as hydrolysis, oxidation, and reduction. It also examines the potential for enhancing microbial efficiency through genetic engineering and the challenges of applying bioremediation strategies in real-world scenarios. The article highlights the apotential of microbial bioremediation as a sustainable and cost-effective solution for addressing pesticide pollution in aquatic environments.