Modern views on the application of microbial mats in bioremediation
Microbial mats are highly structured layered microbial communities with significant physicochemical gradients. The composition of microbial mats includes various consortia involved in geochemical and biochemical cycles on a millimeter scale. The study of microbial mats is of great interest. There are many examples of the use of microbial mats. They are used in aquaculture, bioremediation of organic compounds, wastewater treatment, production of biohydrogen. There are many studies on the use of microbial mats in bioremediation. Under laboratory conditions, the effect of petroleum and petroleum hydrocarbons, pesticides, wastewater components and heavy metals on microbial mats has been studied. Scientists realized that it is possible to increase the bioremediation potential of mats and not to use microbial mats that live in polluted areas. In researches on bacterial communities, including microbial mats, metagenomics, transcriptomics and proteomics methods are widely used. Biotechnological methods are used as well (cultivation in bioreactors, immobilization on synthetic materials, etc.). These technologies make it possible to identify active microbial mats, to cultivate them, and increase their beneficial properties. The article reviews concepts applications of microbial mats in bioremediation. Potential applications of microbial mats are reviewed as well.