19 - Bioremediation of heavy metals from aquatic environments by lactic acid bacteria

Abstract

Heavy metal contamination in aquatic ecosystem is one of the most severe environmental problems and threats to aquatic biota. Research into the use of microorganisms for toxic heavy metal remediation has received focus over the last few decades. It is relatively more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly. Microbial metabolites can dissolve heavy metals and suspended particles containing heavy metal minerals. The major mechanisms behind the microbial remediation of heavy metals are biosorption, bio-reduction, and cometabolism. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are a prevalent group of bacteria found in any type of environment, with high carbohydrates, such as flora, fermented foods, and mucous surfaces of humans, terrestrial animals, and marine life. LAB play a significant role in the dairy and biomedical industries for the synthesis of chemical, pharmaceutical, and other useful products. Recently, these bacteria have also been used as a solution to environmental pollution. This chapter discusses the mechanism and importance of LAB for the bioremediation of heavy metals.