In Quest for Environmental Sustainability: Microorganisms to the Rescue

Dear Colleagues,

The increase in the growth rate of the human population has posed many serious problems, such as the intensification of agriculture, the increase in the waste production and the contaminants release in the environment. Current agricultural practices depend heavily on chemical inputs such as fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, etc. Excessive and indiscriminate use of these chemicals have resulted in food contamination, weed and disease resistance and negative environmental outcomes, having a significant impact on human health. Furthermore, application of these chemical inputs promotes the accumulation of toxic compounds in soils and waters. Therefore, there is a pivotal need for the development of sustainable agriculture practices combining biology, economics, engineering, and chemistry to community development.

Microorganisms can be the leaders in this effort, since they have already been used for the bioremediation and biodegradation of wastes, for the removal and degradation of pollutants, for the treatment of various organic and industry effluents. Soil microorganisms interact with plants and they can mediate the way plants respond to various stresses applied. The rhizosphere of the plant provides a model ecosystem where unique microbial communities develop. In order to develop strategies for plant protection against pathogens, the study of microbial communities and their response when various biotic or abiotic stress factors are applied is fundamental.

Microbial inoculants of environmental-friendly beneficiary microorganisms (bacteria, fungi and algae)  can act as biofertilizers, bioherbicides, biopesticides, and biocontrol agents. They can provide a reliable alternative to the use of chemical inputs and are also able to improve plant growth promotion, pest and weed control. Microorganisms, apart from the above, can also provide a new energy source by producing biofuels as well as be used for the production of enzymes used in various processes, such as the conversion of wastes and cellulose treatment.

This Special Issue focuses on the role of microorganisms in providing new clean solutions for achieving Environmental Sustainability. We welcome the following article types: original articles, critical reviews, mini-reviews, opinions, research notes, and short communications. In this issue, we aim to provide a snapshot of microbial biodiversity, bioremediation processes, degradation of pollutants, degradation and removal of contaminants as well as crop protection. We also welcome research and review articles on Actinobacteria not only as antibiotics producers, but also as promoters of crop protection and agents for the treatment of pollutants and wastes.

Dr. Eleni Giannoutsou
Dr. Ioannis-Dimosthenis Adamakis
Guest Editors

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