Biodegradation Strategies for Sustainable Removal of Persistent Pollutants and Xenobiotics in Wastewater Treatment
A special issue of Water (ISSN 2073-4441). This special issue belongs to the section "Wastewater Treatment and Reuse".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 January 2026 | Viewed by 1269
Special Issue Editor
Interests: xenobiotics; emerging pollutants; PFAS; biodegradation; biotransformation; catalysis; clean-up enzymes and their engineering and immobilization; biofilms; wastewater treatment
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Xenobiotics, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), phthalates, pesticides, dyes, and pharmaceutical compounds, represent a class of persistent organic pollutants that infiltrate wastewater systems from industrial, agricultural, and domestic activities. These pollutants pose critical threats to aquatic ecosystems and potable water resources due to their inherent toxicity, potential for bioaccumulation, and resistance to conventional wastewater treatment methodologies.
This Special Issue is dedicated to exploring and advancing innovative approaches for effectively removing xenobiotics from wastewater, emphasizing sustainable, efficient, and environmentally friendly solutions. A central theme is the application of biodegradation and biotransformation processes to break down these recalcitrant compounds. The issue highlights cutting-edge enzymatic techniques, including enzyme engineering, immobilization strategies, biofilm-based applications, and bioreactor systems, as transformative tools for enhancing degradation efficiency. It also examines microbial degradation pathways, optimal treatment conditions, and biochemical mechanisms that govern xenobiotic transformation, offering a comprehensive understanding of pollutant removal dynamics. The contributions aim to provide insights into integrating these biological processes within existing and novel treatment frameworks.
This Special Issue seeks to advance the scientific understanding and practical implementation of wastewater treatment strategies by uniting research on bioremediation, enzyme technologies, biofilm science, and bioreactor innovations. It addresses critical challenges in the field by showcasing biotechnological advancements that enhance treatment efficacy, mitigate environmental risks, and ensure safe water production for ecological reintegration and reuse.
Dr. Mohd Faheem Khan
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- xenobiotics
- emerging pollutants
- PFAS
- toxic heavy metals
- biodegradation
- biotransformation
- catalysis
- clean-up enzymes and their engineering and immobilization
- biofilms
- wastewater treatment
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