Current knowledge on molecular mechanisms of microorganism-mediated bioremediation for arsenic contamination: A...

Arsenic (As) contamination is a global problem, and seriously threatens the ecosystems and human health. Over decades, numerous efforts regarding the microorganism-mediated bioremediation have been attempted to control the As-contaminated environments. This review article introduces the distribution feature, health risk, and remediation methods of As contamination, and systematically elaborates the characteristics and classification of As-remediating microorganism, including bacteria (e.g., Stenotrophomonas spp.), archaea (e.g., Halorubrum spp.), and fungi (e.g., Aspergillus spp.). Furthermore, functional microorganism can interact with As in various forms including redox, biomethylation, biosorption, and bioaccumulation, thereby playing an important role in As bioremediation and ecological balance. Studies on molecular mechanisms of microorganism-mediated As-bioremediation enhance the understanding of interaction between microorganism and As, and further guide the alleviation and removal of As contamination. Although bioremediation is recognized as a promising novel way in the prevention and control of As-contaminated environments, further studies are encouraged to provide more valuable data for its practical application.