Spirulina platensis and Chlorella vulgaris Assisted Bioremediation of Heavy Metal Contaminated Aquatic Ecosystem

Abstract

Living organisms require trace amounts of some heavy metals including copper, lead, magnesium, vanadium, zinc etc. Human activities have influenced bio- chemical & geological cycles. Metal ions become toxic in nature when they are beyond tolerance limit. In aquatic ecosystem, fishes & microbes have close, intimate & un separated contact from the embryonic to adult stage. Bioremediation is therefore an eco-friendly and efficient method of reclaiming environments contaminated with heavy metals by making use of the inherent biological mechanisms of microorganisms and plants to eradicate hazardous contaminants. Microbes play a key role in controlling the speciation & cycling of metals in water. Bio-availability, toxicity & reactivity of metals is greatly influenced to have a better understanding of the major factors that link microbial activity to the bio-geo-chemistry of metals. Microorganism & other natural products [plants & animals & there by- products] capable of cycling metals for bioremediation of contaminated site without any side effect on environment. This investigation discusses the toxic effects of heavy metal pollution and the mechanisms used by microbes for environmental remediation. It also emphasized the importance of modern techniques and approaches in improving the ability of microbial enzymes to effectively degrade heavy metals at a faster rate, highlighting recent advances in microbial bioremediation for the removal of heavy metals from the environment.