Microbial Removal of Heavy Metals from Contaminated Environments Using Metal-Resistant Indigenous Strains

Abstract

Contamination of soil with heavy metals has become a matter of global importance due to its impact on agriculture, environmental integrity, and therefore human health and safety. Several microbial strains isolated from soil contaminated by long-term chemical and petrochemical activities were found to manifest various levels of tolerance to Cr, Pb, and Zn, out of which Bacillus marisflavi and Trichoderma longibrachiatum exhibited above-moderate tolerance. The concentrations of target heavy metals before and after bioremediation were determined using electrochemical screen-printed electrodes (SPE) modified with different nanomaterials. The morpho-structural SEM/EDX analyses confirmed the presence of metal ions on the surface of the cell, with metal uptake being mediated by biosorption with hydroxyl, carboxyl, and amino groups as per FTIR observations. T. longibrachiatum was observed to pose a higher bioremediation potential compared to B. marisflavi, removing 87% of Cr and 67% of Zn, respectively. Conversely, B. marisflavi removed 86% of Pb from the solution, compared to 48% by T. longibrachiatum. Therefore, the fungal strain T. longibrachiatum could represent a viable option for Cr and Zn bioremediation strategies, whereas the bacterial strain B. marisflavi may be used in Pb bioremediation applications.