Research Progress and Applications of Microbial Deodorization Technology

The emission of odorous gases has become a critical environmental challenge in livestock and poultry farming, organic solid waste treatment, and wastewater and sludge management, with typical pollutants including NH3, H2S, and various volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Conventional physicochemical deodorization methods are limited by complex equipment, high energy consumption, and secondary pollution, whereas microbial deodorization has attracted increasing attention because of its low energy demand, environmental friendliness, and environmentally safe end products. At present, comprehensive reviews of microbial deodorization technology remain limited, particularly those addressing the differences in microbial removal mechanisms for odorous gases and their components originating from different sources. The major components, characteristics, and emission patterns of odorous gases from different sources are summarized in this paper. Recent advances in the screening and consortium construction of highly efficient deodorizing microorganisms, together with their practical applications in odor treatment, are further summarized. Furthermore, emerging metabolic engineering strategies based on genetic modification, enzyme regulation, and metabolic pathway reconstruction are discussed, highlighting their potential for enhancing microbial degradation capacity and facilitating the rational design of next-generation deodorization systems. Future research directions are also proposed to address existing challenges, thereby providing insights for the rational design and engineering application of microbial deodorization systems.