Sheengh Yu

Institute of Life Science, Jiyang College of Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China
Author    Correspondence author
Molecular Soil Biology, 2025, Vol. 16, No. 1   doi: 10.5376/msb.2025.16.0002
Received: 25 Nov., 2024    Accepted: 30 Dec., 2024    Published: 15 Jan., 2025

Wu Z.Q., 2025, Tailoring synthetic microbial communities for the bioremediation of saline-alkali soils: mechanisms and field applications, Molecular Soil Biology, 16(1): 16-26 (doi: 10.5376/msb.2025.16.0001)

The bioremediation of saline-alkali soils presents a significant challenge due to the harsh environmental conditions that limit microbial activity and plant growth. This systematic review explores the potential of synthetic microbial communities tailored for the bioremediation of saline-alkali soils, focusing on the underlying mechanisms and field applications. Advances in synthetic biology and systems biology have enabled the design of microbial consortia with specific functional capabilities, enhancing their resilience and efficiency in degrading pollutants under saline-alkali conditions. The integration of genome-scale metabolic models (GEMs) and omics technologies has furthered our understanding of microbial interactions and metabolic pathways, providing a robust framework for the rational design of these communities. Field studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of microbial amendments, such as biochar-immobilized bacteria and organic manure, in improving soil health and promoting plant growth in saline-alkali soils. This review highlights the critical role of microbial diversity and adaptation in the success of bioremediation strategies and discusses future directions for optimizing synthetic microbial communities for environmental applications.

Synthetic microbial communities; Bioremediation; Saline-alkali soils; Systems biology; Genome-scale metabolic models (GEMs)