Deinococcus radiodurans r1 biofilm formation and its implications in bioremediation

Abstract

Heavy metals are the major source of environmental pollution, causing a big burden for environmental clean-up and restoration. Rapid industrialisation and increased demand for energy has forced this situation on the environment. The toxicity of any compound in the environment is determined by the amount of discharge, concentration and their persistent nature. Health of the organisms and ecological system is affected because of the presence of these contaminants which are present in water and soil. Of the contaminants, heavy metals are perilous because of variation in speciation, toxicity nature and their mobility in the environment. Unlike the other contaminants which can be degraded, the heavy metals cannot be degraded but have to be converted from one form to another i.e., from more soluble to lesser soluble form or higher toxic to lower toxic state. Physical and chemical processes including separation, extraction, reduction and immobilisation techniques are used for remediation applications. Depending on the type and nature of contaminant, characteristics of the contaminated site, a specific type of process is usually preferred. Nuclear energy has emerged as a better alternative to meet our energy demand. The main fuel used in nuclear reactor is uranium. Use of uranium in nuclear, medical and military field has exposed mainly the soil and water resources with uranium. This contamination is primarily due to anthropogenic activities such as mining, nuclear testing, milling and improper disposal of spent nuclear fuel. The release of the contaminants has caused enormous damage to the environment. Bioremediation process involves using micro-organisms to remediate the contaminants. This bioremediation process has emerged as a green-technology and solution for many environmental problems newline