Microbial-Based Strategies for the Mitigation of Halogenated Pollutants

Dear Colleagues,

Halo–organic compounds are an important class of compounds used in a myriad of applications, particularly in the pharmaceutical and agrochemical sectors. Once centred predominantly on chlorine, the halo–organic industry has been gradually shifting their efforts towards the functionalization of other halogen heteroatoms into organic scaffolds, aiming to unlock their manifold properties. Most halogenated biologics share similar properties that render them highly attractive for household and industrial applications alike, namely their lipophilicity and molecular stability, which translate into molecules with improved pharmacokinetics and in vivo half-lives. However, these same properties have also contributed to the emergence of highly stable and recalcitrant molecules with the potential to inflict ecosystem damage. While synthetic organochlorinated compounds rank among some of the most prevalent and legacy pollutants known in existence, several fluorinated, brominated, or iodinated compounds are also starting to be detected across the biosphere, including in extreme environments, such as polar and alpine regions, where they are expected to persist and accumulate over time. Given their general recalcitrant character, the natural attenuation of these xenobiotic pollutants by environmental microorganisms is difficult and may not be sufficient to neutralize their hazardous and pervasive nature. Still, microbial degradation of halo–organic molecules has shown to be possible when catalysed by talented microorganisms acting individually or as a consortium. These microorganisms and their enzymes may be the key for the development of biotechnologies capable of managing the widespread dissemination of halo–organic compounds in the ecosystems and of mitigating the associated impacts.
In this context, this Special Issue aims to gather high-quality contributions in the form of original articles or literature reviews, expanding current knowledge on the microbial degradation of halo–organic molecules and enhancing our understanding of the interaction between microorganisms and these environmental pollutants, and how they can be functionalized into effective bioremediation solutions. Manuscripts detailing the strategies and pathways associated with the aerobic and anaerobic biodegradation of halogenated pollutants are welcome, particularly those employing multi-omics surveys, reporting disruptive nature-based solutions, or resorting to synthetic biology and/or metabolic engineering approaches for the fine-tuning of effective biocatalysts.

Dr. Maria De Fátima Carvalho
Dr. Diogo A. M. Alexandrino
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Microorganisms is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.