Harnessing microbes for heavy metal remediation: mechanisms and prospects.

Contamination by heavy metals (HMs) poses a significant threat to the ecosystem and its associated micro and macroorganisms, leading to ill effects on humans which necessitate the requirement of effective remediation strategies. Microbial remediation leverages the natural metabolic abilities of microbes to overcome heavy metal pollution effectively. Some of the mechanisms that aids in the removal of heavy metals includes bioaccumulation, biosorption, and biomineralization.

Critical review on unveiling the toxic and recalcitrant effects of microplastics in aquatic ecosystems and their degradation by microbes.

Production of synthetic plastic obtained from fossil fuels are considered as a constantly growing problem and lack in the management of plastic waste has led to severe microplastic pollution in the aquatic ecosystem. Plastic particles less than 5mm are termed as microplastics (MPs), these are pervasive in water and soil, it can also withstand longer period of time with high durability. It can be broken down into smaller particles and can be adsorbed by various life-forms.