Advanced omics approach and sustainable strategies for heavy metal microbial remediation in contaminated environments

Abstract

Contamination of the environment by heavy metals is a major problem on a worldwide scale. They are non-essential, nonbiodegradable and persistent in nature. Heavy metal contamination of soils and waterbodies has become a serious problem due to rapid industrialization and human activities including the uncontrolled use of agrochemicals, burning fossil fuels, and dumping sewage sludge. Bioremediation is a multifaceted approach for environmental cleanup that is effective, sustainable, safe, and inexpensive. Additionally, in-situ treatment is a key component of bioremediation technology that lessens the likelihood of contamination transmission to another location. Bioaccumulation, bioaugmentation, biotransformation, and biosorption are all included in the in-situ process. Microbial remediation demonstrates potential, with bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter cloacae B2-DHA, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter sp. and Bacillus spp. showing effectiveness in metal detoxification. The inclination towards omics (genomics, proteomics, transcriptomics, etc.,) is to enhance the efficiency of the microorganisms which regulates the gene of interestand these diverse approaches constitute a critical stride towards alleviating the menace of heavy metal pollution and safeguarding the environment. This review focuses on the ecotoxicity of heavy metals and an advanced omics approach, strategies and sustainable remediation of heavy metals via microorganisms. Synergistic advantages with an unprecedented rise in heavy metal removal have been shown when these approaches are used as a sustainable environmental technology in the near future. This review emphasizes the essential significance of sophisticated omics techniques and microbiological methods in attaining sustainable and effective bioremediation, presenting a viable avenue for alleviating heavy metal contamination and safeguarding environmental health.