Genomically Enhanced Microorganisms (GEMs): Biological Gems in the Maintenance of the Equilibrium Endurance of the Ecosystem

Imprudent and indiscriminate release of industrial effluents directly into aquatic bodies, soil, and air causes harm to the environment and consequently leads to issues related to public health and biodiversity in vast. The persistence of toxicants, especially heavy metal ions (cadmium, lead, arsenic, etc.), which are harmful to the ecosystem in very minute quantities, produces hindrance in the maintenance of the endurance of the ecosystem. In a recent study, various genomically enhanced microorganisms (GEMs) are engaged in the biological control and redemption of the pollutants from the soil, water, or air. Earlier conventional methods were employed for the purpose, but they relied totally on the separation of the contaminants rather than their destruction from the contaminated contour. Through the use of recombinant genomic technology, these GEMs are involved in the removal of toxicants from their sites. This chapter comments on the potential of GEMs as bacteria, algae, and fungi used in the removal of toxicants from the environment. It also includes currently used many advanced molecular tools and techniques engaged in the positive genetic modification of microorganisms through the process of genetic engineering for the degradation of metallic ions from contaminants. The present study discusses the major limitations and challenges in the genetic modification of microorganisms and the factors that influence the efficiency of the GEMs in the degradation of contaminants.