Micro organisms living in zinc contaminated soil - a review

Abstract

Zinc (Zn) has important effect on soil microbes; resultant of its ability to enhance as well as reduce activity depends on its concentration. Heavy metal contamination in soil is affecting animals, human and crop as well. As a result of industrialization for example smelting of metals, mining, electroplating, energy and fuel production, fertilizer, gas exhaust, municipal waste generation sewage and pesticide application, municipal waste generation, etc. Metal pollution is among one of the drastic ecological threats today. In several researches the effects of various solution of Zn on soil microbial communities and activities were analyzed by different concentration of Zn into a surface soil. Research lead to finding that, soil microorganisms is highly sensitive to metal concentration. Metal exerted poisoning impact after high amount was added. Higher concentration resulted slower growth of microbes. Levels of zinc in excess of 500 ppm in soil compete with other essential metals, such as iron and manganese for plant uptake. We can conclude that soil microbial communities and activities can adapt to Zn pollution to a certain extent. The micro organisms can play a substantial job in the remediation of heavy metals and other pollutants.