Recent advances and mechanisms of microbial bioremediation of nickel from wastewater.

The global concern over emerging pollutants, characterized by their low concentrations and high toxicity, necessitates effective remediation strategies. Among these pollutants, pharmaceutical and personal care products, pesticides, surfactants, and persistent organic pollutants have gained significant attention. These contaminants are extensively distributed within aquatic ecosystems, posing threats to both human and aquatic physiological systems. Nickel, a valuable metal renowned for its corrosion-resistant properties, is widely utilized in various industrial processes, leading to the generation of nickel-containing waste streams, including batteries, catalysts, wastewater, and electrolyte bleed-off. Contamination of soil, water, or air by these waste materials can have adverse effects on the environment and human health. This review article focuses on the recent advancements in environmental and economic implications associated with the removal of nickel from diverse waste sources. Physicochemical technologies employed for treating different nickel-containing effluents and wastewater are discussed, alongside bioremediation techniques and the underlying mechanisms by which microorganisms facilitate nickel removal. The recovery of nickel from waste materials holds paramount importance not only from an economic standpoint but also to mitigate environmental impacts.