Description: Heavy metal pollution is a major concern for all ecosystems where wastewater is present and it has the potential to harm the health of humans, animals and plants wherever it exists. Remediating the adverse effects of these pollutants is thus a significant global challenge that requires the use of the most up-to-date technologies.After describing the various toxic and negative effects posed to humans and ecosystems by heavy metals, this book explores advanced strategies for heavy metal detoxification through microbiological applications, such as bioreduction, bioaccumulation, immobilization and enzymatic remediation. It also considers the various microbes that can be used for the remediation of heavy metals and how advanced technologies like bioreactor technology, nanotechnology, genetic engineering and Artificial Intelligence can be applied for higher heavy metal removal rates.This book analyses the challenges and limitations of these sustainable microbe-based strategies for the removal of heavy metal pollutants from contaminated wastewater. It also provides a valuable resource for practitioners and professionals involved in human, animal and environmental health and those interested in the direction of future research.
Brief description: Dr. Sukhminderjit Kaur is a Professor in the Department of Biotechnology at Chandigarh University, Punjab, India. She has more than 25 years of experience in academics and research. Her research mainly focuses on applied microbiology, biofertilizers, probiotics and bioremediation. She has published more than 62 research and review articles in high-impact journals and has contributed to several book chapters. She holds two patents for biofertilizer formulations and has edited four books with Springer Nature. She continues to guide PhD students. students and is a member of many scientific societies with an objective to contribute at advancing microbial applications for environment and agricultural sustainability.