Effects of physicochemical properties of Au cyanidation tailings on cyanide microbial degradation

Bacterial tolerance and detoxification of cyanide, arsenic and heavy metals: Holistic approaches applied to bioremediation of industrial complex wastes

Cyanide is a highly toxic compound that is found in wastewaters generated from different industrial activities, such as mining or jewellery. These residues usually contain high concentrations of other toxic pollutants like arsenic and heavy metals that may form different complexes with cyanide. To develop bioremediation strategies, it is necessary to know the metabolic processes involved in the tolerance and detoxification of these pollutants, but most of the current studies are focused on the characterization of the microbial responses to each one of these environmental hazards individually, and the effect of co-contaminated wastes on microbial metabolism has been hardly addressed. This work summarizes the main strategies developed by bacteria to alleviate the effects of cyanide, arsenic and heavy metals, analysing interactions among these toxic chemicals. Additionally, it is discussed the role of systems biology and synthetic biology as tools for the development of bioremediation strategies of complex industrial wastes and co-contaminated sites, emphasizing the importance and progress derived from meta-omic studies.

Recent Strategies for Bioremediation of Emerging Pollutants: A Review for a Green and Sustainable Environment

Environmental pollution brought on by xenobiotics and other related recalcitrant compounds have recently been identified as a major risk to both human health and the natural environment. Due to their toxicity and non-biodegradability, a wide range of pollutants, such as heavy metals, polychlorinated biphenyls, plastics, and various agrochemicals are present in the environment. Bioremediation is an effective cleaning technique for removing toxic waste from polluted environments that is gaining popularity. Various microorganisms, including aerobes and anaerobes, are used in bioremediation to treat contaminated sites. Microorganisms play a major role in bioremediation, given that it is a process in which hazardous wastes and pollutants are eliminated, degraded, detoxified, and immobilized. Pollutants are degraded and converted to less toxic forms, which is a primary goal of bioremediation. Ex situ or in situ bioremediation can be used, depending on a variety of factors, such as cost, pollutant types, and concentration. As a result, a suitable bioremediation method has been chosen. This review focuses on the most recent developments in bioremediation techniques, how microorganisms break down different pollutants, and what the future holds for bioremediation in order to reduce the amount of pollution in the world.