Application of Genetically Modified Microorganisms for Effective Removal of Heavy Metals

Huge amounts of toxic heavy metals are naturally occurring on the earth’s surface. Numerous anthropogenic influences have significantly altered the geochemistry and biological stability of these toxic substances. Exposure to toxic substances for a long period of time can have detrimental health effects on both aquatic and terrestrial existence. Bioremediation is being studied as an alternative to physicochemical methodologies for treatment of toxic heavy metal contamination in the environment because a number of challenges are involved with these techniques. Plants and a variety of organisms including fungi and microbes play an essential character in the bioconversion of toxic substances into nontoxic types, which is accomplished through procedures including phycoremediation and bioremediation. Current advances in genetics have supplied the impetus for the development of engineered enhanced enzymes and microorganisms for the purpose of bioremediation and environmental remediation. Retaining subsequent remediation costs in imagination, this review compared the sensitivity and bioremediation of toxic substances in wild microbes and plants as well as their genetically modified counterparts.