ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the trends and advances made in utilizing the abilities of biological agents in treating explosive industry wastewater. Bioremediation of explosive chemicals by microorganisms is reported to occur by aerobic and anaerobic processes. Bioremediation of explosives using fungi has gained an increased interest in last few decades due to the chemical toxicity and environmental persistence of nitro explosives. In bioremediation, maintaining a high population of the biomass is of utmost importance. Numerous biotechnological processes utilize immobilized technology such as industrial processes, medicine, biosensors and many more. Immobilization techniques can be divided into four major categories based on the physical mechanism employed: attachment or adsorption on solid carrier surfaces, entrapment within a porous matrix, self aggregation by flocculation or with crosslinking agents, and cell containment behind barriers. There are two types of biogranulation, viz., anaerobic granulation and aerobic granulation. Advances in the field of bioinformatics are revolutionizing the field of bioremediation.
