Freshwater sponges, particularly those found in the Sundarban delta, have been shown to effectively accumulate and indicate the presence of heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, and lead. Their high filtration capacity and close association with specialized microbes enable them to both monitor and help remediate metal pollution in aquatic ecosystems. These sponge-associated microbes possess adaptations for metal resistance and detoxification, making the sponge–microbe system a promising nature-based solution for assessing and mitigating heavy-metal contamination in freshwater environments.
Click to View MoreBioremediation uses microorganisms, plants, or engineered biological agents to break down or neutralise pollutants in soil, water, and air. India urgently needs this technology due to widespread contamination of rivers, landfills, industrial clusters, and agricultural soils, coupled with the high cost and limitations of conventional cleanup methods. Government programmes such as DBT–BIRAC funding, NRCP, and Namami Gange have begun supporting pilot-scale bioremediation, while CSIR–NEERI leads scientific development. However, challenges remain—limited site-specific data, weak regulation, low public awareness, and unclear standards for GM microbes. With proper oversight and investment, bioremediation offers a sustainable pathway to restore India’s ecosystems and align with national clean-up missions.
Click to View More
© 2026 iasgyan. All right reserved