Microbial Removal of Arsenic: An Update

Arsenic poisoning is a major environmental and health problem, and microbial remediation has emerged as a promising strategy for reducing arsenic concentration in contaminated soils and waters. In recent years, microbial removal of arsenic has been explored as a viable method for reducing contamination levels. This chapter reviews the state of research into microbial removal of arsenic and provides an update on the potential for arsenic removal using various methods. The ability of microorganisms to reduce and remediate arsenic pollutants was extensively explored and the different mechanisms used by different microbial groups to degrade and immobilize arsenic were highlighted. The chapter also focuses on the efficacy of microbial remediation and understanding of the key factors that influence the outcome of microbial arsenic remediation. The application of microbial remediation to contaminated soils, waters, and sediments was discussed. Finally, the limitations and challenges of microbial remediation of arsenic were discussed. Overall, microbial removal of arsenic is an effective method to reduce contamination levels. This chapter provides an update on the current state of research in this field and highlights the potential for more arsenic removal via advance and combined microbial processes.