Nanobioremediation of heavy metals using microorganisms

Heavy metals (HMs) in soil are a big threat to environmental and agricultural sustainability. This review discusses the development of the nanobioremediation paradigm (an approach combining nanotechnology and microbiological processes) for the treatment of HM toxicity. Recent advances in nanoparticle (NP)-based approaches to their ability to improve microbial detoxification methods, such as adsorption, redox transformation, and enzyme activation forms of microbial detoxification are discussed. Key findings suggest that many engineered NPs (e.g., zero-valent iron, biogenic metal oxides) can enhance HM immobilization efficiencies and contour microbial performances and functions of the soil microbiome. Still, there are areas of uncertainty regarding NP-microbe-soil interactions, long-term ecotoxicological effects, and applicability at the field level that are critical to be discussed. Future research directions are advised to focus on the eco-designed NPs, optimizing microbial consortia specific to the soil, and interdisciplinary frameworks linking the laboratory methods and materials to the real-world applications.