Unveiling Nature's Detox: Microbial Arsenic Bioremediation for Human Health: A Review

Authors: Arindam Chakraborty, Arnab Ganguli

ABSTRACT

The review paper, "Unveiling Nature's Detox: Microbial Arsenic Bioremediation for Human Health," thoroughly examines the global health threat posed by arsenic contamination, emphasizing its chronic and acute dangers. The paper explores microbial arsenic bioremediation mechanisms, revealing the ingenious strategies employed by microorganisms, such as reduction, oxidation, methylation, sulfur bonding, and transport systems. Key microbial players like Bacillus sp. strain DJ-1, Thiomonas bacteria, Herminiimonas arsenicoxydans, and Sulfolobus metallicus showcase resilience and efficacy, paving the way for biotechnological applications in water treatment, agriculture, and mining. Environmental factors significantly influence microbial bioremediation, with pH, temperature, nutrients, and electron acceptors playing crucial roles. The implications for human health are profound, offering a promising avenue to reduce arsenic exposure and associated health risks. Despite promises, challenges like scaling up processes and competition from other electron acceptors underscore the importance of continued research. Real-world case studies highlight success in diverse contexts, emphasizing the feasibility and efficacy of integrating microbial strategies. Regulatory considerations and globally unified policies are essential for ethical, safe, and effective implementation. The integration of microbial arsenic bioremediation with traditional methods presents a holistic, sustainable solution to arsenic contamination, advocating for a collaborative effort to harness nature's detox potential and safeguard human health and the environment.

Keywords: Arsenic pollution; Bioremediation; arsenicosis

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