Biotechnology for Wastewater Treatment: Current Situation and Future Prospects

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue invites original research and reviews on recent advances and emerging technologies in biotechnology applied to wastewater treatment (WWT). Emphasis will be placed on the development, optimization, and integration of biotechnological methods to enhance treatment efficiency and sustainability.

Biotechnology-based WWT is gaining global traction due to its eco-friendly potential to remove organic and inorganic pollutants. Innovations such as genetically engineered microbes, enzymatic bioreactors, and algal–bacterial consortia are advancing the treatment of industrial and municipal effluents. Techniques like bioaugmentation, biostimulation, and the use of biosensors for real-time pollutant detection are reshaping modern wastewater practices.

Omics approaches—such as metagenomics, proteomics, and metabolomics—offer critical insights into microbial communities, enabling the design of more efficient, tailored WWT systems. These technologies help uncover key functional genes and metabolic pathways involved in biodegradation.

Emerging tools including CRISPR, synthetic biology, and AI-driven process optimization further expand the potential of biotechnology in WWT. Additionally, the integration of resource recovery concepts, such as nutrient recycling and bioenergy production, aligns with circular economy goals.

We welcome submissions addressing both current challenges and future prospects in biotechnological solutions for wastewater treatment, with a special interest in interdisciplinary approaches and sustainable innovations.

Dr. Davide Liberti
Dr. Luísa Barreira
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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