Bioremediation: An effective approach of mercury removal from the aqueous solutions. (October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rani, Lata; Srivastav, Arun Lal; Kaushal, Jyotsna
• Is Part Of: Chemosphere. Volume 280(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-10
• Subjects: Mercury contamination -- Aqueous solutions -- Bioremediation -- Microbial species -- Meroperon; Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Physiological effect -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; Atmospheric chemistry -- Periodicals; 551.511
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.130654
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0045-6535

Abstract

Abstract: Mercury (Hg(II)) is the 16th rarest element present in the earth's crust. Due to rapid industrialization and urban expansions, the mercury concentration has been elevated in the environment. Hg(II) contamination in the aqueous environment has become a great challenge for human beings. The main source of Hg(II) in the aqueous phase is untreated effluent industries (such as the paper industry). Hg(II) is non-biodegradable in nature and even its trace amount in an aqueous environment can pose chronic threats among the humans (damage to the central nervous system, respiratory system, and cardiovascular system, mutation of DNA), animals, and aquatic creatures. Therefore, the removal of mercury from aqueous solutions is an urgent need of the modern era. The conventional techniques such as ion exchange, precipitation, membrane filtrations are costly and also generate byproducts in the environment. Bioremediation is a sustainable, environmentally sound, and cost-effective technique to remove Hg(II) from the aqueous solutions. In this process, naturally occurring microorganisms are utilized to remove the Hg(II) from the aqueous solutions. Lentinus edodes, U. lactuca, and Typha domingensis are found to have great potential to remove mercury from water ranged from ~100 mg g −1 to 337 mg g −1 . Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Mercury is one of the most toxic contaminants of water. Industries and fossil fuel burning are important sources of toxic mercury. Mercury intake leads disorders of central nervous system, heart and mutation. Bioremediation could be a better process of mercury removal from water. Some microbes could remove mercury even up to more than 100 mg g −1 .