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Bio- and Phytoremediation: A Symbiotic Solution for Heavy Metal-Polluted Soils

Heavy metal pollution is one of the most persistent and toxic environmental challenges of the 21st century. Industrial, mining, and agricultural activities have left a lasting impact on soils, threatening human health, ecosystems, and agricultural productivity.

Published in Bioengineering & Biotechnology, Ecology & Evolution, and Agricultural & Food Science

Go to the profile of Grisel Fierros Romero
Grisel Fierros Romero
Senior Researcher, Florida A&M University
Bio- and Phytoremediation: A Symbiotic Solution for Heavy Metal-Polluted Soils
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Bio- and phytoremediation: plants and microbes to the rescue of heavy metal polluted soils - Discover Applied Sciences

Bio- and phytoremediation, being encouraging terms implying the use of biological systems for cleansing purposes, have risen a worthy venture toward environmental restoration in discouraging scenarios, such as the augmentation of indestructible heavy metals. Hyperaccumulating plants and heavy metal resistant microbes own mechanisms embedded in their metabolism, proteins, and genes that confer them with “super characteristics” allowing them to assimilate heavy metals in order to amend polluted soils, and when combined in a symbiotic system, these super features could complement each other and be enhanced to overpower the exposure to toxic environments. Though xenobiotic pollution has been an object of concern for decades and physicochemical procedures are commonly carried out to offset this purpose, a “live” remediation is rather chosen and looked upon for promising results. A variety of benefits have been registered from symbiotic relationships, including plants teaming up with microbes to cope down with non-biodegradable elements such as heavy metals; but a carefully maneuvered interaction might signify a greater insight toward the application of bioremediation systems. These manipulations could consist of genetic engineering and/or additional supplementation of molecules and microbes. In the present study, a contemporary connection between plants and microbes involving their controlled management is summarized in a visionary display.

Did you know that certain plants and microorganisms have natural superpowers to clean up soils polluted with heavy metals like lead, cadmium, or mercury? This review explores the fascinating world of bio- and phytoremediation, where hyperaccumulating plants and metal-resistant microbes join forces to detoxify contaminated environments. From rhizoremediation to genetic engineering and microbial teamwork, discover the future of sustainable, living clean-up technologies.

In the face of growing heavy metal contamination in soils due to industrial and agricultural activities, sustainable solutions are urgently needed. This review, published in SN Applied Sciences, presents a comprehensive overview of bio- and phytoremediation—eco-friendly strategies that harness the natural abilities of hyperaccumulating plants and metal-resistant microorganisms to remediate polluted environments.

The article explores the physiological and molecular mechanisms employed by these organisms, including biosorption, phytostabilization, bioaccumulation, and chelation. Special attention is given to Plant Growth-Promoting Microorganisms (PGPMs) such as Pseudomonas fluorescens, Bacillus subtilis, and Rhizobium spp., which play a critical role in enhancing plant tolerance and metal uptake efficiency.

The review also highlights the potential of native Mexican plants like Ricinus communis (castor bean), Helianthus annuus (sunflower), and Prosopis laevigata (mesquite), recognized for their high biomass and tolerance to heavy metals such as cadmium, lead, and zinc. On the microbial side, key species such as Cupriavidus metallidurans and Pseudomonas putida exhibit genetic adaptations for metal detoxification, making them prime candidates for rhizoremediation systems.

Finally, the study envisions next-generation remediation approaches incorporating genetic engineering, nanotechnology, and biochar amendments, paving the way for more efficient, targeted, and sustainable bioremediation technoly.

Read the full article here: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-021-04911-y

Go to the profile of Grisel Fierros Romero
Grisel Fierros Romero (She/Her)
Senior Researcher, Florida A&M University

Dr. Grisel Fierros-Romero is a researcher and academic leader specializing in environmental microbiology, marine microbiology, biotechnology, and bio-nanotechnology. Currently, she leads advanced research projects on marine microbiology and microbial ecology. Her research focuses on understanding the interactions of micro-predators, such as predatory bacteria, protists, and viruses, and their critical role in the microbial loop.

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Bioremediation
Life Sciences > Biological Sciences > Biotechnology > Industrial Microbiology > Bioremediation
Agricultural Biotechnology
Life Sciences > Biological Sciences > Agriculture > Agricultural Biotechnology
Biotechnology
Life Sciences > Biological Sciences > Biotechnology
Microbial Ecology
Life Sciences > Biological Sciences > Ecology > Microbial Ecology

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