Review Article
Biomarkers as Indicators of Environmental Stress in Animals
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 3, September 2026
Pages:
31-42
Received:
22 April 2026
Accepted:
3 May 2026
Published:
17 August 2026
Abstract: Environmental stress arising from climate change, habitat loss, pollution, infectious agents, and human activities represents a growing threat to animal health in both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Factors such as temperature fluctuations, ocean acidification, heavy metals, pesticides, and emerging pathogens can disturb physiological balance, weaken immune responses, and negatively affect growth and reproduction. Conventional health assessment methods often identify problems only after visible symptoms develop, highlighting the importance of early and sensitive detection tools. In this context, biomarkers serve as reliable early indicators by revealing subtle biological changes at molecular, cellular, biochemical, and physiological levels before clinical damage becomes apparent. This review compiles and evaluates major categories of biomarkers used in environmental health studies. Among these are signs of oxidative stress (like lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme activity), stress and endocrine hormones, immune-related parameters, genotoxicity markers (including DNA damage assays), metabolic enzymes, and behavioral responses. Their relevance across diverse animal groups, including wildlife, livestock, and aquatic sentinel species, is discussed along with their advantages and limitations in ecological risk assessment. Furthermore, the review explores recent advances such as omics-based technologies, non-invasive sampling strategies, and integrated multi-biomarker approaches, which offer promising tools for improving environmental monitoring, conservation planning, and predictive assessments of animal health under changing environmental conditions.
Abstract: Environmental stress arising from climate change, habitat loss, pollution, infectious agents, and human activities represents a growing threat to animal health in both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Factors such as temperature fluctuations, ocean acidification, heavy metals, pesticides, and emerging pathogens can disturb physiological balance,...
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Review Article
Mutant Bacteria in Bioremediation: Harnessing Modified Microbes for Cleanup of Environmental Pollutants
Olusola Adeoye Oluwole*
,
Temitayo Omotunde Olowomofe,
Ikeoluwa Gloria Olaniyan
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 3, September 2026
Pages:
43-57
Received:
17 June 2026
Accepted:
9 July 2026
Published:
14 October 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.fem.20261203.12
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Views:
Abstract: Environmental pollution threatens global ecosystems and public health, while driving global climate change. Although bioremediation is a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional chemical treatments, natural bacteria are often limited by slow degradation rates and an inability to break down highly resilient materials. To overcome these limits, genetic engineering and targeted mutation are used to improve bacterial metabolism and increase the production of key degrading enzymes. This review examines recent progress in genetically altering established pollutant-degrading bacteria through various mutation methods. Specifically, we evaluate how well these engineered strains clean up synthetic plastics, heavy metals, and crude oil hydrocarbons. We also outline practical strategies for large-scale field use, including direct bioaugmentation, cell encapsulation, ex situ bioreactors, and root-associated plant partnerships. Finally, the paper addresses critical biosafety and ethical concerns, focusing on the risk of altered genes transferring to native microbes. To prevent these modified bacteria from persisting in nature, we discuss synthetic safety controls like genetic kill switches and metabolic dependencies. Ultimately, this review provides a clear framework to guide future research toward developing highly efficient, scalable, and environmentally safe biotechnology for ecological restoration.
Abstract: Environmental pollution threatens global ecosystems and public health, while driving global climate change. Although bioremediation is a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional chemical treatments, natural bacteria are often limited by slow degradation rates and an inability to break down highly resilient materials. To overcome th...
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