Global Situation of Bioremediation of Leachate-Contaminated Soils by Treatment with Microorganisms: A Systematic Review

Microorganisms. 2023 Mar 28;11(4):857. doi: 10.3390/microorganisms11040857.

Abstract

This systematic review presents the current state of research in the last five years on contaminants in soils, especially in leachates from solid waste landfills, with emphasis on biological remediation. In this work, the pollutants that can be treated by microorganisms and the results obtained worldwide were studied. All the data obtained were compiled, integrated, and analyzed by soil type, pollutant type, bacterial type, and the countries where these studies were carried out. This review provides reliable data on the contamination of soils worldwide, especially soils contaminated by leachate from municipal landfills. The extent of contamination, treatment objectives, site characteristics, cost, type of microorganisms to be used, and time must be considered when selecting a viable remediation strategy. The results of this study can help develop innovative and applicable methods for evaluating the overall contamination of soil with different contaminants and soil types. These findings can help develop innovative, applicable, and economically feasible methods for the sustainable management of contaminated soils, whether from landfill leachate or other soil types, to reduce or eliminate risk to the environment and human health, and to achieve greater greenery and functionality on the planet.

Keywords: bioremediation; landfill; leachate; soil.

Publication types

  • Review

Grants and funding

This research received funding from Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (CONACYT).