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Updated: Jun 27, 2026
07:20
Bioprospecting of Extremophilic Microorganisms to Address Environmental Pollution
Published on: December 30, 2021
Metals and Extremophilic Bacteria in Mining Environments: A Systematic Review
Joseline Jiménez-Venegas1,2, Leonardo Zamora-Leiva3, Celián Román-Figueroa3
1Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Chile, Santa Rosa 11315, La Pintana, Santiago 8820808, Chile.
Microorganisms
|June 26, 2026
Summary
This review identifies bacteria that can survive and clean up heavy metals like cadmium, chromium, and lead. These extremophilic bacteria show promise for environmental bioremediation, but more research is needed.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Microbiology
- Bioremediation
- Industrial Ecology
Background:
- Industrial activities release hazardous heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb, Zn) into the environment.
- Extremophilic and extremotolerant bacteria offer potential solutions for metal contamination.
- Understanding bacterial roles in metal-rich environments is crucial for effective remediation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review extremophilic/extremotolerant bacteria for heavy metal remediation.
- To identify bacteria capable of surviving and actively removing Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb, and Zn.
- To synthesize current knowledge on bacterial tolerance and remediation capacities.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative systematic review following PRISMA guidelines.
- Searched Web of Science and Scopus databases (2000-2025).
- Synthesized data on bacterial taxonomic levels, environmental conditions, and metal remediation functions.
Main Results:
- Carnobacteriaceae, Cyclobacteriaceae, Erythrobacteraceae families show high metal tolerance in alkaline environments.
- Acidithiobacillus, Phenobacterium, Microbulbifer, Roseobacter genera exhibit active remediation in acidic settings (bioleaching, precipitation, biosorption).
- Bacillus subtilis and Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans demonstrate dual tolerance and remediation capabilities.
Conclusions:
- Distinct taxonomic groups possess specific roles in metal-rich environments.
- Bacterial bioremediation strategies vary with environmental conditions (acidic vs. alkaline).
- Methodological heterogeneity necessitates standardized validation for technological application.
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