Topic Editors

Dr. Virender Kumar
Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Aalborg Øst, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
Department of Biological Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea

Waste Biodegradation: Recycling and Upcycling

Abstract submission deadline
30 September 2026
Manuscript submission deadline
30 November 2026
Viewed by
5381

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

The rapid industrialization and consumer-driven economy have led to the generation of massive volumes of waste, including synthetic polymers, plastics, agro-industrial by-products, and other recalcitrant materials. Conventional disposal methods such as landfilling and incineration pose serious environmental challenges, demanding sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives. Microbial and enzymatic biodegradation has emerged as a promising route for transforming industrial waste into valuable products through recycling and upcycling approaches. This Topic aims to bring together innovative research and critical reviews addressing advances in biodegradation processes, microbial pathways, engineered enzymes, and biotechnological strategies for waste valorization. Particular emphasis will be given to the degradation and transformation of synthetic polymers, plastics, and complex industrial residues into bio-based materials, energy carriers, platform chemicals, and other high-value products. This Topic will also highlight novel bioprocesses, integrated waste management systems, and life cycle assessments that contribute to circular economy frameworks. By showcasing cutting-edge developments, this Topic seeks to provide a platform for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to accelerate the transition toward sustainable waste management and resource recovery solutions. This Topic seeks high-quality works focusing on the following topics:

  • Waste biodegradation and valorization.
  • Plastic and polymer biodegradation.
  • Industrial waste recycling.
  • Waste upcycling technologies.
  • Bioconversion of synthetic polymers.
  • Microbial and enzymatic degradation.
  • Circular economy and waste management.
  • Bio-based materials from waste.
  • Sustainable recycling strategies.
  • Waste-to-value bioprocesses.

Dr. Virender Kumar
Dr. Shashi Kant Bhatia
Topic Editors

Keywords

  • valorisation
  • recycling
  • upcycling
  • bioconversion
  • sustainability
  • circular economy

Participating Journals

Journal Name Impact Factor CiteScore Launched Year First Decision (median) APC
Bioengineering
bioengineering
4.4 7.5 2014 16.9 Days CHF 2700 Submit
Materials
materials
3.7 7.0 2008 14.4 Days CHF 2600 Submit
Processes
processes
3.4 5.7 2013 14.7 Days CHF 2400 Submit
Sustainability
sustainability
4.1 8.9 2009 16.9 Days CHF 2400 Submit
Waste
waste
- - 2023 16.6 Days CHF 1000 Submit

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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34 pages, 2496 KB  
Review
Pharmaceutical Wastewater as an Emerging Environmental Contaminant: Sustainable Treatment Strategies and Future Perspectives
by Dhananjay Singh, Jyoti Kushwaha, Ravi Shankar, Sunita Singh, Vinay Mishra, Deepak Singh, Anshuman Mishra, Reeta Rani Singhania, Anil Kumar Patel and Balendu Shekher Giri
Bioengineering 2026, 13(5), 540; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering13050540 - 7 May 2026
Viewed by 2166
Abstract
The level of pharmaceutical contaminants is increasing exponentially on planet Earth. Despite the vital role of medicines in life, pharmaceutical effluents have severe environmental impacts and cause health issues. In order to treat pharmaceutical effluents, a variety of methods are adopted globally. The [...] Read more.
The level of pharmaceutical contaminants is increasing exponentially on planet Earth. Despite the vital role of medicines in life, pharmaceutical effluents have severe environmental impacts and cause health issues. In order to treat pharmaceutical effluents, a variety of methods are adopted globally. The conventional techniques lack the capability of effective removal of these hazardous effluents. This review focuses on the methods currently used to treat pharmaceutical wastewater. Both individual and hybrid treatment approaches have been investigated. Optimum and sustainable treatment methods have been presented. Their advantages and limitations have been discussed in detail. Modern treatment techniques are designed to be more sustainable and cost-effective, with a target to achieve high to near-complete removal of contaminants. No single technique is sufficient individually for the purpose. A suitable combination of biological treatment processes with a membrane system and advanced oxidation processes has been observed to be a highly effective method. However, such hybrid methods are designed according to the quality and quantity of wastewater, target pollutants, and several other crucial parameters. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Waste Biodegradation: Recycling and Upcycling)
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19 pages, 4191 KB  
Article
Effects of Salt Stress on Earthworm Function and Compost Quality During Vermicomposting of Kitchen Wastes
by Hailiang Mao, Jungang Ding, Wenqi Huang, Kui Huang and Rongchuan Yang
Bioengineering 2026, 13(1), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering13010038 - 29 Dec 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1335
Abstract
The high salt concentration in kitchen waste (KW) can impede the performance of subsequent biological treatment. However, the impact of salt stress on the quality of vermicomposting products generated from KW remains unclear. In this study, the effects of high salt concentration in [...] Read more.
The high salt concentration in kitchen waste (KW) can impede the performance of subsequent biological treatment. However, the impact of salt stress on the quality of vermicomposting products generated from KW remains unclear. In this study, the effects of high salt concentration in KW on earthworm function and vermicompost quality were investigated by comparing two groups: a 1.5% salt (ST) group and a control (CK) group without salt. Results showed a significant decrease in the number and weight of earthworms in the ST (p < 0.01), with a mortality rate of 24.33% (p < 0.05) after vermicomposting. Compared to the CK, ST treatment resulted in a significant increase in catalase activity and a significant decrease in superoxide dismutase activity (p < 0.01). In addition, mucus secretion by earthworms decreased by 82.6% in ST (p < 0.01). Moreover, salt stress reduced KW humification during vermicomposting, lowering the humification index and β:α index by 23.7% and 41.2%, respectively. Microbial composition shifted under spatially heterogeneous selection pressures, leading to a 37.5% decrease in Ascomycota abundance, a 58.3% increase in Bacteroidetes abundance, and a 72.3% reduction in Proteobacteria abundance. Furthermore, the vertical stratification of physicochemical conditions significantly affected both microbial abundance and earthworm biomass in the ST treatment (p < 0.01), suggesting a salt–microbe–earthworm interaction mechanism. This study reveals that salt stress disrupts humification by impairing key microbial functions and ecological roles of earthworms during vermicomposting of KW. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Waste Biodegradation: Recycling and Upcycling)
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