Emerging Aspects of Bioremediation of Arsenic

Arsenic is a toxic element whose widespread contamination in highly populated regions of world has led to environmental and human health concerns. Millions of people residing in contaminated areas are forced to drink water and eat food containing arsenic beyond maximum permissible limits. As the extent of problem is huge, there is need to devise cost-effective measures to tackle the problem. Physicochemical methods available presently are costly and are not easily operable by the poor people. Bioremediation comprises application of biological organisms and/or components in the removal/stabilisation of the contaminant. This review will focus on arsenic removal aspects of bioremediation and will also discuss prospects of utilising biological components for restricting arsenic entry into crop plants specifically rice.