Bioremediation is a process which living organisms like microbes especially bacteria use to remove the pollutants, contaminants and toxins from soil, water and other environments. Bacteria of the genus Mycobacterium are ubiquitously distributed in both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, for example, ground and tap water, soil, animals, and humans. This genus includes nonpathogenic environmental bacteria, opportunistic pathogens, and highly successful human pathogens such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis (causative agent of tuberculosis). The diversity of ecological niches inhabited by mycobacterial species suggests widely varied lifestyles with different growth patterns and morphologies, and ability to adapt to the changes in the environment. The mycobacteria possess special enzymes and proteins required for mineralization of compounds, degradation of polyaromatic hydrocarbons, oil refinery’s bi-products, chemical complexes, pesticides, heavy metals, etc.

This issue will focus on various domains that would increase our knowledge in understanding the role of mycobacteria in bioremediation and explore the mechanisms governing the remediation processes. These processes could be modulated in future to increase the bioremediation efficiency of the microorganism.

The research work focused on the role of mycobacterial species in following domains are highly recommended. The articles focused on other actinobacteria are also welcome.

The domains of research include:

(1) Identification, isolation, and characterization of bacterial species involved in bioremediation.

(2) Biochemical and molecular characterization of pathways/enzymes involved in bioremediation.

(3) Applications of the bacteria in biotechnological use.