Heavy metal bioremediation and toxicity removal from industrial wastewater

Abstract

Untreated industrial wastewater discharged directly into streams, rivers, and other water bodies pose serious environmental issues facing society right now. In order to protect nature, a cost-effective, eco-friendly approach is urgently required to treat inorganic metals, such as chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), etc., that have been released into the environment. According to recent trends in studies related to the treatment of heavy metals, microbial bioremediation is being considered as an alternative to conventional methods. Excess amounts of heavy metals are unsafe to microorganisms because they are not biodegradable. In order to combat the toxic effects of these heavy metals, microorganisms have been investigated for the development of detoxification mechanisms. This chapter provides a detailed assessment of the bioremediation capabilities of microorganisms, particularly in regard to environmental protection. Additionally, the biosorption ability of algae, biofilms, bacteria, fungus, and other microorganisms for the purpose of heavy metal remediation are also investigated. Since studies have shown the synergetic effects resulting in heavy metal biofilm removal as a potential sustainable use of biofilms, the focus of this chapter is on microbial biofilms and algal films with respect to heavy metal sequestration. Biofilm includes adsorption and remediation of heavy metals as well as remediation using metal species, including metal uptake and biofilms. The bioremediation of heavy metals through adsorption and decontamination, including metal uptake and treatment in biofilms, is also presented.