Interventions to Ameliorate Heavy Metal Contaminated Soils Employing Fungal Siderophores

Abstract

The application of fungal siderophores, which are metal-chelating structures, is gaining more attention in relationship to soil contaminants and public health. Heavy metal contaminants in the soil worldwide have become a environmental factor attracting considerable public attention, largely from increasing concern for the safety of agricultural products. The presence of heavy metals in food is a threat, and exposure of vegetables to contamination by these heavy metals causes high toxicity and serious health problems. The biologically toxic heavy metals, such as copper, zinc, lead, arsenic, mercury, and cadmium, are elements affecting the soil agro-ecosystem through natural processes. Heavy metal pollution has become a great threat to humans because of the potential risk of accumulation from foods, and solving this problem is a key concern. Bioremediation has proven to be a promising alternative and conventional approach as it is cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and aesthetically pleasing. Fungal siderophores can aid the bioremediation process by removing toxic heavy metal contaminants from the soil. In this review, we collate and discuss the harmful effects of heavy metal contaminants in the soil and remediation technologies for soils contaminated by these heavy metals, including particularly the fungal siderophores process.