Application of plant–microbe systems in bioremediation of metalloid-contaminated soils

The release of organic and inorganic pollutants in the environment has been a serious threat to living beings in present scenario. Conventional methods of remediation of such pollutants end up with (less) toxic sludge or pollutants and again costs too much. Alternative to these approaches must be approached in the benefits of ecosystems. One such alternative is the use of living organism called bioremediation where microorganism (mostly) and certain plant species convert these pollutants in less or nonhazardous forms and make them unavailable for other living beings. Specific to these pollutants, metalloids such as boron, germanium, and arsenic are studied in detail especially their biotransformation to nontoxic forms. Similarly, phytoremediation of these compounds by grasses such as Vetiveria zizanioides, ferns, and other plant species has also been studied well. In the present chapter, we describe phyto/bioremediation of metalloids and how the association of plants and microbes can be employed to improve soil health by the removal of such toxic metalloids.