Bioremediation of Heavy Metals by Microbes

Heavy metals are naturally present in the soil, but higher concentration of these elements is harmful to plants, animals, and humans. Prolonged exposure of such heavy metals can have deleterious health effects on human life. Bioremediation of these heavy metals like As, Cd, Cr, Hg, Ni, Hg, and Zn can be done by either plants or microorganisms or by the combination of two. In this chapter emphasis has been given to its microbial methods. There are certain disadvantages associated with physicochemical methods of remediation; thus bioremediation is arising as alternative to these methods. It is an environment friendly approach because it is achieved via natural processes. In this chapter efforts have been made to give brief introduction of available physicochemical and biological methods of heavy metal remediation. Bioremediation by bacteria and fungi is discussed in detail.