Enzymes’ Role in Bioremediation of Contaminated Paddy Soil

Abstract

Contamination of paddy soil with organic and inorganic pollutants such as heavy metals, pesticides, fertilizers, dyes, phenols, PAHs, hydrocarbons, plastics, etc. is a very serious problem faced by some countries, especially in Asian countries. Such contaminations mostly arise due to anthropogenic activities. This may pose potential environmental and health concerns in the near future. So, several physical, chemical, and biological remediation methods have been practiced so far to treat such contaminated paddy soil. Enzymatic bioremediation evolves as an effective, low-cost, and eco-friendly technique which can be applied in this case. This article discusses the types of contaminations found in paddy soil and their adverse effects. The types of bioremediation which have been used so far and, furthermore, enzymatic degradation of contaminants present in soil have been reviewed. We also discuss the enzymes from various microbial and plant sources which are being used for remediation of contaminated paddy soil.