Role and significance of biofilm-forming microbes in phytoremediation -A review

Heavy metals pollution in the environment is a result of continuous urbanization and industrialization processes, and it has become a major issue for the environment and human health. Microbial biofilms are dense ground communities of microbes kept composed by self-formed polymer matrixes, which are mostly made of polysaccharides, protein complexes, and extracellular DNAs. Phytoremediation is a cost-effective, environmentally acceptable, and long-term strategy that uses microbes to cleanse and break down a broad range of toxic contaminants into less hazardous compounds. Because of their better tolerance to contaminants, environmental stress, and ability to digest a variety of severe pollutants via various catabolic pathways, microbes in biofilm mode are favorable for bioremediation. The interaction between plants and microbes breaks down complex molecules into simple nutrients, mobilizes metal ions, and enhances bioaccumulation of contaminants. Microbes are trapped in a self-synthesized matrix in biofilm mode, protecting against stress, and pollutants. Toxins such as heavy metals have all been removed utilizing microbial biofilm consortia. Microbe bioremediation is utilized in the industry to clean polluted surfaces and water. Biofilms forming microbes uses in plant protection, biosorption, and wastewater treatment. The use of adhesive surfaces environmental factors and quorum sensing molecules can all help to promote biofilms formation. With advances in microbe biofilm formation, plant growth-promoting bacteria like Rhizobium, Bacillus, and Pseudomonas produce biofilms on plant surfaces and soil. This review discusses the events that lead to the creation of microbial biofilms, the benefits of biofilms in phytoremediation, and the prospects of biofilms in environmental clean-up strategies. (C) 2021 The Author. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Automated summary

Heavy metals pollution in the environment caused by urbanization and industrialization processes has become a major concern for the environment and human health. Microbial biofilms, composed of self-formed polymer matrixes, are favorable for bioremediation due to their tolerance to contaminants and ability to digest severe pollutants. The interaction between plants and microbes in biofilms enhances the breakdown of complex molecules, mobilization of metal ions, and bioaccumulation of contaminants. This review discusses the events that lead to the formation of microbial biofilms, the benefits of biofilms in phytoremediation, and the prospects of biofilms in environmental clean-up strategies.