Bioremediation of Oil in Solid Waste: A Pathway to Achieving UN Sustainable Development Goals

Crude oil, while serving as a primary energy source globally, is also one of the most widespread environmental pollutants. Its derivatives contribute significantly to environmental degradation, with an estimated 1.2 million tons of oil entering the environment annually. Aside from its use as an energy source, crude oil also serves as a raw material for plastic production, which presents further environmental challenges. Bioremediation, the use of microorganisms to degrade contaminants, has emerged as an effective and sustainable solution for mitigating oil pollution (Milić et al, 2024). Bioremediation, which leverages microorganisms and their enzymatic systems to decompose and remove pollutants, is recognized as a green technology for cleaning oil-polluted environments. This process aligns with sustainable development principles by offering an environmentally friendly and cost-effective solution for oil contamination. Through bioremediation, both soil and plastic pollution can be mitigated, promoting cleaner ecosystems and fostering the principles of sustainability.