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Green Microbiology: Advancing Sustainability through Microbial Innovations

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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Agriculture".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2025 | Viewed by 18823

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Helen Onyeaka

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Guest Editor

School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B152 TT, UK
Interests: food microbiology; food safety; sustainability; food systems; public health; food waste management
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Adenike A. Akinsemolu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Institute of Advanced Studies, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
Interests: environmental science; green and sustainability education; environmental microbiology; microbial ecology; and the use of innovative and technology-driven approaches to promote conservation and efficie

Dr. Taghi Miri

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B152 TT, UK
Interests: plant-based food processing and safety; future food process and safety challenges of food reformulation; novel food processing to enhance the safety and shelf life of food; circular economy; food waste valorization; bioprocessing for environmental engineering
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Green microbiology, a rapidly evolving field at the intersection of microbiology and sustainability, focuses on harnessing the power of microbes to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable practices. The importance of this research area lies in its potential to contribute to a more sustainable future by utilizing microbial processes and technologies. This Special Issue aims to showcase the latest advancements, research findings, and innovative applications in green microbiology, highlighting its role in advancing sustainability.

By delving into the diverse range of topics within green microbiology, we can deepen our understanding of the contributions that microbes can make to sustainability and promote the integration of microbial-based solutions with various domains.

We invite submissions on the following themes:

Microbial Biodegradation and Bioremediation: This theme will explore the potential of microbes in breaking down and eliminating pollutants from soil, water, and air. Manuscripts may discuss the identification and optimization of microbial strains for specific pollutants, the use of microbial consortia for effective bioremediation, and the integration of microbial processes with engineering solutions to clean up contaminated sites.
Microbes as Biofertilizers and Plant Growth Promoters: This theme will focus on the role of microbes in sustainable agriculture, including their ability to enhance nutrient availability, improve soil health, and promote plant growth. Contributions may cover topics such as the use of microbial biofertilizers, mechanisms of plant–microbe interactions, and the potential for microbial-based solutions to reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
Microbial Technologies for Waste Management: This theme will highlight innovative microbial technologies and processes that contribute to effective waste management and resource recovery. Submissions may cover microbial composting, anaerobic digestion for bioenergy production, microbial fermentation for organic waste valorization, and the potential of microbial communities to transform waste into valuable products, promoting a circular economy and minimizing waste generation.
Microbes in Renewable Energy Production: This theme will explore the role of microbes in advancing renewable energy sources, such as biofuels and biogas. Manuscripts may discuss the microbial conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into bioethanol, microbial electrolysis cells for hydrogen production, and the use of microbial consortia in biogas production from organic waste. Emphasis will be placed on microbial-based technologies to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.
Microbes and Sustainable Water Management: This theme will discuss the applications of microbes in sustainable water management, including wastewater treatment, water purification, and the restoration of aquatic ecosystems. Contributions may cover microbial fuel cells for energy-efficient wastewater treatment, the use of microbial biofilms to remove contaminants, and the role of microbial communities in improving water quality and ecosystem health.

For this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcomed. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

Green microbiology;
Microbial biodegradation and bioremediation;
Microbes as biofertilizers and plant growth promoters (role of microbes in sustainable agriculture and enhancing nutrient availability);
Microbial technologies for waste management (innovative microbial technologies and processes for effective waste management and resource recovery);
Microbes in renewable energy production;
Microbes and sustainable water management.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Helen Onyeaka
Dr. Adenike A. Akinsemolu
Dr. Taghi Miri
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

green microbiology
microbes
sustainability
bioremediation
biofertilizers
innovation

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 2435 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Remediation Using Hydrocarbonoclastic Bacteria for Diesel-Range Hydrocarbon Contamination in Soil: Experimental and In Silico Evaluation

by Fernanda Espinosa-López, Karen Pelcastre-Guzmán, Anabelle Cerón-Nava, Alicia Rivera-Noriega, Marco A. Loza-Mejía and Alejandro Islas-García

Sustainability 2025, 17(12), 5535; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17125535 - 16 Jun 2025

Viewed by 222

Abstract

The increasing global oil consumption has led to significant soil contamination by hydrocarbons, notably diesel-range hydrocarbons. Soil bioremediation through bacterial bioaugmentation is an alternative to increase the degradation of organic pollutants such as petroleum products. Bioremediation is a sustainable practice that contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) because it is environmentally friendly, reduces the impact of human activities, and avoids the use of invasive and destructive methods in soil restoration. This study examines the bioremediation potential of hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria isolated from soil close to areas with a risk of spills due to pipelines carrying hydrocarbons. Among the isolated strains, Arthrobacter globiformis, Pantoea agglomerans, and Nitratireductor soli exhibited hydrocarbonoclast activity, achieving diesel removal of up to 90% in short-chain alkanes and up to 60% in long-chain hydrocarbons. The results from in silico studies, which included molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations, suggest that the diesel removal activity can be explained by the bioavailability of the linear alkanes and their affinity for alkane monooxygenase AlkB present in the studied microorganisms, since long-chain hydrocarbons had lower enzyme affinity and lower aqueous solubility. The correlation of the experimental results with the computational analysis allows for greater insight into the processes involved in the microbial degradation of hydrocarbons with varying chain lengths. Furthermore, this methodology establishes a cost-effective approximation tool for the evaluation of the feasibility of using different microorganisms in bioremediation processes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Microbiology: Advancing Sustainability through Microbial Innovations)

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23 pages, 3061 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Microalgae Indicators of Metabolic Changes in Potamogeton perfoliatus L. Under Different Growing Conditions of Urban Territory Lakes in a Permafrost Area

by Igor V. Sleptsov, Vladislav V. Mikhailov, Viktoria A. Filippova, Sophia Barinova, Olga I. Gabysheva and Viktor A. Gabyshev

Sustainability 2025, 17(6), 2690; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17062690 - 18 Mar 2025

Viewed by 327

Abstract

Under conditions of increasing anthropogenic load, aquatic ecosystems all over the world are undergoing a transformation, expressed in the growth of eutrophication, the overgrowing of water bodies with higher vegetation of macrophytes, cyanobacterial bloom, and the increased concentrations of different pollutants in these objects. In the region of Eastern Siberia that we studied, located in the middle reaches of the Lena River basin, there is the city of Yakutsk—the largest city in the world built in a permafrost region. Within the city and its surroundings, there are many small lakes (less than 1 km² in area) which over the past decades have been subject to varying degrees of pressure associated with human activity (nutrients and organic matter loads, urban landscape transformation). This study is the first to combine the metabolomic profiling of Potamogeton perfoliatus with microalgal bioindication to assess anthropogenic impacts in permafrost urban lakes, providing a novel framework for monitoring ecological resilience in extreme environments. We studied four lakes with varying degrees of anthropogenic pressure. Using a comprehensive assessment of the bioindicator properties of planktonic microalgae and the chemical parameters of water using statistical methods and principal component analysis (PCA), the lakes most susceptible to anthropogenic pressure were identified. Concentrations of pollutant elements in the tissues of the submerged macrophyte aquatic plant Potamogeton perfoliatus L., which inhabits all the lakes we studied, were estimated. Data on the content of pollutant elements in aquatic vegetation and the results of metabolomic analysis made it possible to identify the main sources of anthropogenic impact in the urbanized permafrost area. The pollution of water bodies with some key pollutants leads to Potamogeton perfoliatus’s metabolites decreasing, such as sucrose, monosaccharides (arabinose, mannose, fructose, glucose, galactose), organic acids (glyceric acid, malic acid, erythronic acid, fumaric acid, succinic acid, citric acid), fatty acids (linoleic and linolenic acids), myo-inositol, 4-coumaric acid, caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid, shikimic acid, and catechollactate, caused by pollution which may decrease the photosynthetic activity and worsen the sustainability of water ecosystems. Linkage was established between the accumulation of pollutants in plant tissues, the trophic status of the lake, and the percentage of eutrophic microalgae, which can be used in monitoring the anthropogenic load in the permafrost zone. Knowledge of the composition and concentration of secondary metabolites produced by macrophytes in permafrost lakes can be useful in organizing water resource management in terms of reducing the level of cyanobacterial blooms due to allelochemical compounds secreted by macrophytes. This new work makes possible the evaluation of the permafrost-zone small-lake anthropogenic load in the frame of a changing climate and the growing attention of the industry to Arctic resources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Microbiology: Advancing Sustainability through Microbial Innovations)

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24 pages, 2421 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Assessment of the Microbiological, Biochemical, and Physicochemical Properties of the Soil Around an Illegal Landfill Site in Central Poland, Central Europe

by Weronika Zych, Jadwiga Wyszkowska and Małgorzata Baćmaga

Sustainability 2025, 17(5), 1898; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17051898 - 24 Feb 2025

Viewed by 674

Abstract

Illegal landfills should be continuously monitored to avoid such risks and become part of an environmental risk management strategy. The aim of this study was therefore to assess the impact of an illegal landfill on the microbiological, biochemical, and physicochemical status of the soil as a function of land use and the distance of soil c ollection around the landfill. The study area from which the soil samples were taken was an illegal landfill in central Poland (Central Europe). The impact of the illegal landfill on the condition of the soil was assessed on the basis of the microbiological and biochemical indicators and the physicochemical properties of the soil. It was found that the illegal landfill significantly affects the soil environment, which was confirmed by the values of microbiological, biochemical, and physicochemical soil properties. The factors that affected the soil properties were the type of land use and the distance of the soil samples from the landfill, which significantly affected the microbiological and biochemical properties of the soil. Microbiological, biochemical, and physicochemical indicators of the soil in the vicinity of an illegal landfill can be very useful in predicting risks to the environment and human health. The studies presented can be used for planning sustainable waste management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Microbiology: Advancing Sustainability through Microbial Innovations)

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15 pages, 1990 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Kinetic Modelling of Ralstonia eutropha H16 Growth on Different Substrates

by Renata Vičević, Anita Šalić, Ana Jurinjak Tušek and Bruno Zelić

Sustainability 2024, 16(23), 10650; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162310650 - 5 Dec 2024

Viewed by 1419

Abstract

Due to environmental pollution and the depletion of fossil fuels, there is growing interest in the development and use of biofuels as environmentally friendly alternatives. One of the most promising biofuels is biohydrogen, hydrogen produced through sustainable processes using microorganisms such as bacteria and algae. One of the most interesting bacteria for hydrogen production is Ralstonia eutropha H16, known for its ability to produce oxygen-tolerant hydrogenases. These enzymes play a crucial role in biohydrogen metabolism and production. The aim of this work was to determine the optimal conditions (reactor type and synthetic medium composition) for the cultivation of R. eutropha H16. The culture media contained different concentrations of fructose and glycerol (mono- or double-substrate cultivation) and the experiments were carried out in a batch reactor. The initial experiments were carried out with 4 g/L fructose or glycerol in the culture medium at pH 7, T = 30 °C, and 120 rpm. The mathematical model, consisting of the growth kinetics (described by the Monod’s model) and the corresponding mass balances, was proposed. The developed model was validated using two independent experiments with different initial substrate concentrations: 2 g/L glycerol and fructose in one medium and 4 g/L fructose and 1 g/L glycerol in the second. In order to propose the optimal cultivation procedure for future research, the mathematical model simulations were performed for different reactor types (batch, fed-batch, and continuous stirred tank reactors) and different initial substrate concentrations. The most successful experiment was the one with 4 g/L glycerol, where γ_X = 0.485 ± 0.001 g/L of biomass was achieved. Further calculations showed that the most biomass would be produced at higher glycerol concentrations (at γ_G = 6.358 g/L, γ_X = 1.311 g/L should be achieved after 200 h of cultivation) and when using a fed-batch reactor (γ_X = 0.944 g/L after 200 h of cultivation). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Microbiology: Advancing Sustainability through Microbial Innovations)

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23 pages, 3555 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Food Sustainability through Probiotics Isolated from Fermented Cauliflower

by Kamila Rachwał, Klaudia Gustaw and Ilona Sadok

Sustainability 2024, 16(19), 8340; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16198340 - 25 Sep 2024

Viewed by 1629

Abstract

In the face of increasing challenges to sustainable food production, biotechnology offers solutions to support the environmental and health aspects of the food industry. This study explores the probiotic potential of L. plantarum and L. brevis isolated from fermented cauliflower. The probiotic properties of the strains and their biochemical characteristics were comprehensively assessed. They have been shown to be resistant to conditions in the human gastrointestinal tract and are able to adhere to colonic epithelial cells. Beneficial properties, such as antimicrobial activity and the production of phenolic acid and exopolysaccharides, were confirmed. The safety of these isolates was established, highlighting their suitability as pro- and prebiotics, and as fermentation starters. In particular, C5 and C2 strains have shown promising industrial potential, with C5 excelling in overall performance and C2 exhibiting strong antagonism to pathogenic strains and superior adhesion to intestinal cells. The resilience of strain C5 under various stress conditions and the exceptional exopolysaccharide production by strain C2 further underscore their unique capabilities and potential applications. These distinct properties make them particularly suitable for applications in functional foods and health-oriented products. These results emphasize the importance of fermented foods in promoting sustainable agricultural practices and consumer health, contributing to a more sustainable food industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Microbiology: Advancing Sustainability through Microbial Innovations)

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Review

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13 pages, 265 KiB

Open AccessReview

Application Potential of Lactic Acid Bacteria in Horticultural Production

by Beata Kowalska and Anna Wrzodak

Sustainability 2025, 17(4), 1385; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17041385 - 8 Feb 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1464

Abstract

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are found on the surface of some plants, forming their natural microbiome, and are especially common in fermented plant products. They are microorganisms capable of performing lactic fermentation, during which they utilize carbohydrates and produce lactic acid. They are considered probiotic microorganisms. LAB are characterized by strong antagonistic activity against other microorganisms. The mechanism of action of these bacteria is mainly based on the production of substances with strong antimicrobial activity. Some strains of LAB also inhibit the secretion of mycotoxins by mold fungi or have the ability to eliminate them from the environment. With the changing climate and the need for plants to adapt to new, often stressful climatic conditions, the use of LAB in crops may offer a promising solution. These bacteria stimulate plant resistance to abiotic factors, i.e., drought and extreme temperatures. Research has also shown the ability of LAB to extend the storage life of fruits and vegetables. These bacteria reduce the number of unfavorable microorganisms that contaminate plant products and cause their spoilage. They also have a negative effect on human pathogenic bacteria, which can contaminate plant products and cause food poisoning in humans. When applied as an edible coating on leaves or fruits, LAB protect vegetables and fruits from microbial contamination; moreover, these vegetables and fruits can be served as carriers of probiotic bacteria that benefit human health. The presented properties of LAB predispose them to practical use, especially as components of biological plant protection products, growth biostimulants, and microbial fertilizer products. They have great potential to replace some agrochemicals and can be used as a safe component of biofertilizers and plant protection formulations for increasing plant resilience, crop productivity, and quality. The use of LAB is in line with the aims and objectives of sustainable horticulture. However, there are some limitations and gaps which should be considered before application, particularly regarding efficient and effective formulations and transfer of antibiotic resistance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Microbiology: Advancing Sustainability through Microbial Innovations)

Other

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21 pages, 1348 KiB

Open AccessPerspective

From Waste to Plate: Exploring the Impact of Food Waste Valorisation on Achieving Zero Hunger

by Rose Daphnee Tchonkouang, Helen Onyeaka and Taghi Miri

Sustainability 2023, 15(13), 10571; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151310571 - 5 Jul 2023

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 11298

Abstract

Hunger (811 million people, 2020) and food waste (931 million tonnes annually, 2020) are long-standing interconnected challenges that have plagued humankind for centuries. Food waste originates from various sources, including consumption habits and failures within the food supply chain. Given the growing concerns regarding food insecurity, malnutrition, and hunger, there is a pressing need to recover and repurpose as much food waste as possible. A growing body of knowledge identifies the valorisation (including upcycling) of food waste as one of the strategies to fight hunger by positively impacting food availability and food security. This paper evaluates the potential role of food waste valorisation, including upcycling, in reducing global hunger. A literature search was conducted to examine how converting food waste into value-added products, such as food formulations and farming inputs, can contribute to increasing food availability. The benefits of waste-to-food operations in improving food availability through producing food ingredients and products from materials that would have been wasted or discarded otherwise were discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Microbiology: Advancing Sustainability through Microbial Innovations)

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