ENVIRONMENTAL GENETICS ENGINEERING FOR HEAVY METAL DETOXIFICATION USING MICROBIAL CONSORTIA

Abstract

Background The infection with heavy metals due to industrialization and anthropogenic activities presents serious health and environmental hazards because of the persistence as well as toxicity of metals including lead, cadmium, mercury and chromium. Traditional remediation techniques are costly and potentially produce secondary pollutants.

Objective: To assess the potential of genetically modified microbial consortia for bioremediation of heavy metals contaminated environment.

Methodology: Heavy metal resistant bacteria were isolated compared to industrial wastewater as well as contaminated soil samples. Selected strains have been engineered for enhanced biosorption, bioaccumulation and enzymatic detoxification capabilities. The engineered organisms were combined to develop microbial consortia as well as tested under laboratory conditions for eliminating Pb, Cd, Cr, Hg and As using an ordinary Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy analysis.

Findings: The microbial relationship demonstrated excellent detoxification efficiency by removing 88% lead, 82.5% cadmium, 80% chromium and 85.7% mercury under optimized conditions. Better performance was due to synergistic interactions of microbes and enhanced genetic resistance mechanisms.

Conclusion: Genetically engineered microbial hybrids offer a sustainable, eco-friendly and cost-effective method for heavy metal detoxification and remediation.