This review looks at microbial-driven nature-based solutions used in soil, water, and wastewater systems. The goal is to use natural microbes to handle contaminants. The analysis covers how these systems work and what factors influence their success.
The study found that performance varies widely. Results depend on microbial diversity, redox processes, and system design. Because of this variability, consistent outcomes cannot be guaranteed without specific conditions being met.
There are also potential downsides. Microbial biofilms might act as reservoirs for antibiotic resistance genes. This creates a trade-off between cleaning power and safety. The review highlights challenges related to scalability, long-term performance, ecological risks, and regulatory acceptance.
Readers should understand that this is a synthesis of existing information, not a new clinical trial. The main takeaway is a proposed decision framework. This framework links environmental sources, microbial mechanisms, platform design, and monitoring indicators. It aims to support sustainable and risk-aware implementation of these technologies.