Abstract

Heavy metal contamination of soil and water bodies has become a significant environmental issue due to industrial activities, mining, and urbanization. Traditional methods of remediation, such as chemical precipitation and physical extraction, often present high costs, limited efficiency, and environmental risks. In contrast, bioremediation, particularly through microbial mechanisms, offers a more sustainable and cost-effective solution. Microorganisms possess various metabolic pathways that enable them to detoxify, transform, or immobilize toxic heavy metals, making them invaluable in addressing contamination. This review explores the microbial mechanisms involved in heavy metal bioremediation, including bioaccumulation, biosorption, and biotransformation. Additionally, the challenges and future directions of microbial bioremediation are discussed, emphasizing the need for advanced research to optimize and scale this technique for environmental cleanup.