Emerging paradigms into bioremediation approaches for nuclear contaminant removal: From challenge to solution

The release of radionuclides, including Cesium-137 (¹³⁷Cs), Strontium-90 (⁹⁰Sr), Uranium-238 (²³⁸U), Plutonium-239 (²³⁹Pu), Iodine-131 (¹³¹I), etc., from nuclear contamination presents profound threats to both the environment and human health. Traditional remediation methods, reliant on physical and chemical interventions, often prove economically burdensome and logistically unfeasible for large-scale restoration efforts. In response to these challenges, bioremediation has emerged as a remarkably efficient, environmentally sustainable, and cost-effective solution. This innovative approach harnesses the power of microorganisms, plants, and biological agents to transmute radioactive materials into less hazardous forms. For instance, consider the remarkable capability demonstrated by Fontinalis antipyretica, a water moss, which can accumulate uranium at levels as high as 4979 mg/kg, significantly exceeding concentrations found in the surrounding water. This review takes an extensive dive into the world of bioremediation for nuclear contaminant removal, exploring sources of radionuclides, the ingenious resistance mechanisms employed by plants against these harmful elements, and the fascinating dynamics of biological adsorption efficiency. It also addresses limitations and challenges, emphasizing the need for further research and implementation to expedite restoration and mitigate nuclear pollution's adverse effects.