Recent Advancements in Bioremediation of Metal Contaminants

Abstract

Biofilms are an accumulation of single or various populations of microorganisms that are present on the surfaces through membrane-bound substances due to the gene expression, which differs from free-floating expression and leads to expressed genes regulating biofilm formation and development. In this regard, recent advances in microbial-based heavy metals have propelled bioremediation as a prospective alternative to conventional techniques. Adsorption and biodegradation of organic contaminants and the immobilization, mobilization, and/or transformation of metals are the main remediation processes that can be mediated by the action of several microorganisms surviving in hostile environments with high concentrations of pollutants. The chapter discussed the formation and regulation of biofilms to degrade the metal contaminant, the importance of gene transfer, and applications of biofilm-mediated bioremediation processes.