Recombinant Microbial Bioremediation for the Treatment of Heavy Metals

Abstract

Heavy metals related contamination constitutes an important health concern throughout the world. Since many polluted soils and wastes contain heavy metals in various concentrations, chemical and biological examination of heavy metals is required while working with problems of environmental concern. Use of highly precise and sensitive methods is, therefore, an urgent requirement for both the detection and quantification of these toxic and hazardous compounds. Recently, environmentalists have shown a lot of interest in the use of recombinant microbial technology for treatment of heavy metals from industrial wastewater. In the present work, the authors have discussed the application of genetic engineering for bioremediation of heavy metals as well as the development of microbial biosensors for detection and quantification of heavy metals at contaminated sites. The use of genetically engineered whole-cells containing reporter genes coupled to biological recognition components allows for the design of rapid, highly specific, and sensitive biosensing systems