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The Role of Microorganisms in Waste Treatment
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Dr. Zuotao Zhang
Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China.
College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing 100081, China
College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing 100081, China
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The Role of Microorganisms in Waste Treatment

Abstract submission deadline
31 March 2026
Manuscript submission deadline
31 May 2026
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518

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Microorganisms play an evidently critical role in waste treatment processes, serving as the indispensable backbone of biological waste management systems. Their natural metabolic activities have a profound impact on the decomposition and stabilization of organic matter. Microorganisms can break down complex organic matter molecules through complex biochemical reactions and transform them into simpler substances. Such a process not only significantly reduces environmental pollution but also converts waste into valuable and useful by-products. For example, certain microorganisms can convert organic waste into biogas, which can be used as an energy source. Moreover, the decomposition and transformation processes carried out by microorganisms contribute to he improvement of soil and water quality. In summary, the role of microorganisms in waste treatment is highly significant and has far-reaching implications for sustainable environmental management. As a part of this topic, authors are invited to submit original articles and reviews on the subject of the role of microorganisms in waste treatment. Contributions can cover the following areas: (I) the biological decomposition of organic matter (aerobic or anaerobic treatment), (II) pathogen removal, (III) nutrient recycling, (IV) the production of value-added products (such as biogas production and compost formation), (v) heavy metal and toxin removal, and (VI) emerging waste treatment technologies (such as bioelectrochemical systems and bioremediation).

Dr. Zuotao Zhang
Dr. Tan Chen
Dr. Bing Zhang
Topic Editors

Keywords

  • microorganisms
  • waste treatment
  • biological decomposition
  • bioremediation
  • pathogen removal
  • nutrient recycling
  • biological fermentation
  • heavy metal and toxin removal
  • emerging waste treatment technologies
  • pollutant metabolism mechanism

Participating Journals

Journal Name Impact Factor CiteScore Launched Year First Decision (median) APC
Microorganisms
microorganisms 		4.1 7.7 2013 11.7 Days CHF 2700 Submit
Pollutants
pollutants 		- - 2021 25.3 Days CHF 1000 Submit
Processes
processes 		2.8 5.5 2013 14.9 Days CHF 2400 Submit
Sustainability
sustainability 		3.3 7.7 2009 19.7 Days CHF 2400 Submit
Recycling
recycling 		4.6 8.9 2016 20.9 Days CHF 1800 Submit
Waste
waste 		- - 2023 34.1 Days CHF 1000 Submit
Microbiology Research
microbiolres 		2.1 2.8 2010 15.4 Days CHF 1600 Submit

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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18 pages, 2566 KiB  
Article
Potential of Natural Sheep Casings Waste as a Sole Nitrogen Source for the Marine Microalga Scenedesmus rubescens MDP19 Growth and Lipid Production
by Sanaa Ouzakar, Nadia Skali Senhaji, Francesca Rigano, Cinzia Cafarella, Francesco Cacciola, Luigi Mondello and Jamal Abrini
Recycling 2025, 10(3), 109; https://doi.org/10.3390/recycling10030109 - 1 Jun 2025
Viewed by 241
Abstract
The meat industry is one of the main sources of organic waste in the food processing sector. Due to their high content of biodegradable organic matter, these wastes represent a potentially valuable resource for the development of recycling and valorization processes, particularly with [...] Read more.
The meat industry is one of the main sources of organic waste in the food processing sector. Due to their high content of biodegradable organic matter, these wastes represent a potentially valuable resource for the development of recycling and valorization processes, particularly with regard to the circular economy and environmental sustainability. The present study aimed at assessing the potential of natural sheep casings waste (NSCW) as a source of nitrogen for promoting the growth and lipid production of Scenedesmus rubescens MDP19, a marine microalga isolated from the Mediterranean coastline of northern Morocco. For this purpose, we evaluated the effects of different NSCW concentrations (0.25–5 g L−1) on the microalga growth, its ability to utilize organic waste components (proteins, amino acids, and carbohydrates) as nutrients, and its efficiency in eliminating nitrogen and phosphorus. Lipid and pigment contents were determined using colorimetric methods, and their composition was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC-APCI-MS/MS). The results showed that S. rubescens MDP19 achieved the highest biomass production of 1.737 g L−1 at an NSCW concentration of 5 g L−1. This strain removed 33.70–47.63% of protein, 71.84–87.62% of amino acids, 41.9–92.97% of carbohydrates, 59.72–99.30% of nitrogen, and 80.74–99.10% of phosphorus. Furthermore, S. rubescens MDP19 showed a significantly enhanced lipid content (68.11%) at an NSCW concentration of 0.5 g L−1. At this concentration, the lipid composition of S. rubescens MDP19 was particularly complex, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, digalactosyldiacylglycerols, sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerols, phosphatidylglycerols, and acylglycerols. The pigment profile includes neoxanthin, canthaxanthin, lutein, chlorophyll a, geranylgeranyl chlorophyll a, chlorophyllide b, hydrochlorophyllide b, and pheophytin a. These results indicate that natural sheep casings waste represents a promising source of nitrogen, reducing the need for nutrient supplementation in microalgae production. This approach not only offers a sustainable and economical alternative for optimizing microalgae cultivation but also contributes to the valorization of organic waste, thus supporting more ecological and responsible practices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic The Role of Microorganisms in Waste Treatment)
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