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Updated: Apr 4, 2026

Bioprospecting of Extremophilic Microorganisms to Address Environmental Pollution
Published on: December 30, 2021
Insights into heavy metal immobilization by phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms: biochemical mechanisms, toxicity
Shaoxiong Li1, Zhao Wang1, Yang Liu1
1Yunnan Provincial Key Lab of Soil Carbon Sequestration and Pollution Control, Faculty of Environmental Science & Engineering, Kunming University of Science & Technology, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China; Yunnan International Joint Laboratory for Emission Reduction and Carbon Sequestration in Agricultural Soils, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China.
Abstract:
Phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms (PSMs) exhibit unique advantages in remediating heavy metal-contaminated soil. This review first elaborated the mechanisms of phosphorus activation and in-situ metal immobilization mediated by PSMs, emphasizing the potential contribution of non-organic acid substances to the phosphate-solubilizing process and criticizing the oversimplified view of chemical precipitation (metal-phosphate complexes) as the main immobilization pathway. Crucial findings revealed that siderophores and proteins may play underestimated roles in phosphorus solubilization, particularly under buffered soil conditions. Moreover, this review highlighted that PSMs themselves contribute to heavy metal (HM) immobilization through surface adsorption, extracellular mineralization, and intracellular accumulation. On this basis, the toxicity responses and detoxification strategies of PSMs under HM stress were assessed, identifying oxidative stress and metabolic inhibition as primary toxicity pathways, while antioxidant systems, efflux pumps, and subcellular sequestration served as key defense mechanisms. Importantly, the research gaps regarding the combined effects triggered by mixed HM exposure were pointed out. Finally, engineering applications integrating PSMs with phosphorus-based passivators, hyperaccumulating plants, and biochar were compared, and the future challenges and research directions were proposed. This review will be valuable for further understanding the PSM-mediated HM immobilization mechanisms, and may provide new insights for predictable field applications.
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