Bacteriophages: A Novel Approach to Combat Microbial Pollution in Water and Preserve Environmental Health

Background: Microbial contamination in aquatic environments is becoming an gradually serious concern for both environmental health and public health. Traditional disinfection techniques often fail to eliminate resistant microorganisms, leading to the exploration of alternative biological strategy. Methods: This review assesses recent research on the use of bacteriophages for water decontamination. Relevant data were gathered from peer-reviewed studies, with particular attention to phage isolation techniques, host specificity, and practical application methods in water treatment systems. Results: Bacteriophages showed strong specificity, efficiently lysing pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., and Pseudomonas aeruginosa without disturbing beneficial microflora. Recent progress in immobilized phage technologies and the development of phage cocktails has further improved phage stability and expanded their host range within complex aquatic matrices. Conclusion: Overall, bacteriophages offer a sustainable, eco-friendly, and highly effective strategy to managing microbial pollution in water. Incorporating phage-based strategies into existing water treatment systems could decrease dependence on chemical disinfectants and eventually improve environmental and public health.

کلیدواژه ها:

Bacteriophages ، Microbial pollution ، Water treatment ، Environmental health ، Biocontrol