Bioremediation of heavy metals by microbial process

Bioremediation is an inventive and optimistic technology which is applicable for the retrieval and reduction of heavy metals in water and polluted lands. Microorganism plays an essential part in bioremediation of heavy metals. By using genetic engineering, genetically modified organisms can be generated which can likely reduce different types of polycyclic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Flavobacterium, Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Arthrobacter, Corynebacterium, Methosinus, Rhodococcus, Mycobacterium, Stereum hirsutum, Nocardia, Methanogens, Aspergilus niger, Pleurotus ostreatus, Rhizopus arrhizus, Azotobacter, Alcaligenes, Phormidium valderium, Ganoderma applantus are some microbial species that help in bioremediation of heavy metals. This review not only discussed about the importance of microbes for bioremediation of heavy metals but also discussed about the challenges and limitations of native and engineered bacteria for bioremediation. Significance of bioremediation with the help of genetically engineered bacteria is in light because of its eco-friendly nature and minimum health hazards other than the physio-chemical dependent strategies, which are less eco friendly and dangerous to life. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.