Biorecovery of Soil Health

Soil health is a global concern in today’s world, despite the advancements in artificial intelligence and rapid industrialization. Agriculture, the most traditional method for sustainable survival, remains essential. Soil health directly impacts agricultural productivity but faces numerous challenges due to the influx of pollutants from both natural and human activities. While supplementing soil with nutrients and minerals can improve its health, pollution poses a significant obstacle. Unhealthy soil, even with added nutrients, cannot enhance productivity due to factors such as heavy metal pollution. Industries such as processing, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and natural processes introduce heavy metals into the soil, which persist for years. The hazardous and indestructible nature of heavy metals necessitates their removal. Various chemical and physical methods exist, but they are costly and generate substantial waste, leading to the need for waste management systems. This situation has pushed researchers to find alternative, cost-effective, and eco-friendly ways to eliminate pollutants. Microorganisms have emerged as a promising solution. They are part of the ecosystem, environmentally friendly, and require minimal investment, making them a preferred choice. This chapter explores the crucial role of microbial degradation in remediating heavy metal pollution and restoring soil health.