Bioremediation of heavy metal ions from contaminated soil and water by microbes: A review

Abstract

Scientists all over the world are working tirelessly on the management of environmental toxicants and their control over the past two decades due to their injurious effects on plants, animals, and humans. These calcitrants released to the environment from both anthropogenic industries and natural sources can enter the food chain. The removal of such xenobiotic materials such as heavy metals from the soil and water around industrial areas has received great attention nowadays globally. It is, therefore; against this backdrop that this review research was conducted solely to establish the potentials of microorganisms (algae, fungi, bacteria, and plants) in the bio-removal of heavy metals contaminated soils and water. The study revealed that the use of these microbes in the decontamination of the environment cannot be overemphasized hence cost-effective, eco-friendly, and available almost everywhere on planet earth.