Harness microbial bioprocesses to drive sustainable circular economy applications

Bacteria, fungi, algae, and yeasts function as living factories converting waste into value-added chemicals, clean energy, and biodegradable materials. Microbial Engines for the Circular Economy, edited by a team of microbiologists and biotechnologists from Maharshi Dayanand University and environmental consulting practice, presents current bioprocess technologies that channel microbial metabolism toward waste recycling, bioremediation, soil enrichment, water treatment, and pharmaceutical production within a circular economy framework.

The book opens with a general overview of the role of microorganisms in circular economy systems, then details how microbial metabolism creates value-added chemicals from waste products. Coverage extends across bioremediation strategies, water treatment processes, soil enrichment techniques, and pharmaceutical production. Organisms discussed include bacteria, fungi, algae, yeasts, and viruses as sustainable substitutes for conventional industrial chemicals and processes.

Readers will also find:

• Detailed analysis of how microbial processes convert carbon emissions, food waste, and industrial byproducts into fuels, proteins, and bioplastics
• Coverage of bacteria, fungi, algae, yeasts, and viruses as sustainable alternatives to conventional chemicals across diverse industrial processes
• Strategies for deploying microbial bioprocesses in water treatment, soil regeneration, and hazardous waste bioremediation applications
• Approaches for producing value-added chemicals and pharmaceuticals through engineered microbial metabolism and fermentation pathways
• Frameworks connecting microbial biotechnology to circular bioeconomy strategies relevant to both industrial and environmental applications

Designed for process engineers, bioengineers, biotechnologists, and researchers working in environmental microbiology and industrial bioprocessing, this reference connects microbial science with circular economy practice. Policymakers and advanced students pursuing sustainable technologies and circular bioeconomy strategies will also find targeted, applicable content throughout the volume.

1. Introduction to microbes and circular economy
2. Microbial workforce: Understanding the circular economy
3. Microbial metabolism: How waste becomes resource
4. Agricultural microbes and microbial products
5. Value added products from waste biomass
6. Microbial biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons with integrated concept of resource recovery
7. Electricity generation from wastewater using microbial fuel cells
8. Energy and resource recovery from wastewater treatment system
9. Wastewater to bioactive products
10. Generation of pigments from agro-wastes using microbes
11. Recovery of extracellular biopolymers from wastewater treatment plant
12. Healthcare products from microbes
13. Recovery of metals from e-waste
14. Cosmetic products from microbes
15. Valorisation of CO2 into value-added products
16. Business models for waste-to-worth startup