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Microbially Mediated Remediation of Contaminated Sediments by Heavy Metals: a Critical Review

  • Sediment Pollution (G Toor and L Nghiem, Section Editors)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Sediment contamination by heavy metals has been known as one of the most serious environmental challenges due to the abundance, persistence, toxicity, and subsequent bioaccumulation of heavy metals. Microbial activities play a significant role in the fate and transport and mobility of heavy metals in the interface of sediment-water, which affect the distribution of heavy metals along the food chain. However, a comprehensive review elucidating the roles and mechanisms of microbial-driven remediation of heavy metals in sediments is not available.

Recent Findings

This review discusses various microbial processes affecting the transformation and speciation of heavy metals in sediments. It also emphasizes the importance of modern biotechnologies and approaches in improving the ability of microbial activities to effectively transform heavy metals at a faster rate and highlights recent advances in microorganism-mediated remediation of heavy metals in sediments as well as future prospects and limitations.

Summary

The current bioremediation practice using diverse microbial processes is promising for sustainable removal of heavy metals from sediments. However, additional research applying advanced biotechnology such as omics-based molecular tools and nanotechnology would further enhance the potential of microbes to remediate heavy metal–contaminated sediments.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Southern Methodist University, 3101 Dyer Street, Room 203, Dallas, TX, 75205, USA

    Wenjie Sun & Kai Cheng

  2. Jasper High School, 6800 Archgate Drive, Plano, TX, 75024, USA

    Kevin Y. Sun

  3. Zachry Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Texas A&M University, 3136 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA

    Xingmao Ma

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  1. Wenjie Sun
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  2. Kai Cheng
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  3. Kevin Y. Sun
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  4. Xingmao Ma
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Correspondence to Wenjie Sun or Xingmao Ma.

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Sun, W., Cheng, K., Sun, K.Y. et al. Microbially Mediated Remediation of Contaminated Sediments by Heavy Metals: a Critical Review. Curr Pollution Rep 7, 201–212 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40726-021-00175-7

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