Reducing metal pollution using microorganisms

The food and drink industries, craft industries such as tanneries, the textile industry and mining operations all use chemicals containing heavy metals. Lead, cadmium, copper, zinc and chromium are examples of metals that have attracted particular attention due to their toxicity to humans, animals and plants. Most industrial effluent is discharged into the natural environment without any prior treatment. To address this problem, several treatment techniques have been developed at considerable cost, but no single process is entirely satisfactory. However, microbial activity can cause the dissolution, mobilisation or immobilisation of heavy metals in soil and water. Owing to their ability to transform metals from mobile and toxic chemical forms into insoluble and less toxic forms, microorganisms can be considered for decontamination processes in industrial settings. This book serves as a reference guide to help young researchers and entrepreneurs get involved in the field of bioprocesses.