The Role of Microbes in Detoxification and Availability of Metalloids

This chapter tackles the metal(loid)s persistent in the nature that may pollute water resources and terrestrial ecosystems as a result of both naturally in geological mineralization areas resources and anthropogenic activities. "Bioremediation" refers to the process used for the treatment of contaminated media through neutralization, removal, or alteration of environmental variables to stimulate the growth of microorganisms that are responsible for the degradation of toxic chemicals. Microbes in nature may alter metalloids such as As, Se, Sb, and Te by reduction, oxidation, and methylation mechanisms, which is called the "biotransformation processes." Microbial enzymatic activities play a crucial rule in the efficacy of most of bioremediation-related techniques. Therefore, the identification of enzymes involved in the biotransformation of metalloids could help a better understanding of bioremediation processes and an improvement of the effectiveness of bioremediation strategies. In this chapter we review the existing literature and factors affecting bioremediation and the availability of metalloids which would help scientists and environmental policymakers gain a better understanding of the bioremediation technologies used for the remediation of contaminated environments.