Microbial Bioremediation of Radionuclides

Abstract

The extent of the pollution, produced by the rapid release of radionuclides into environment, has prompted public and scientific concern in last few decades. Their removal is a challenge for scientists as, like other contaminants, they cannot be purified and reintroduced into the environment in a short time period. The perceived high environmental and economic costs of invasive physicochemical degradation, technologies are emerging for bioremediation of nuclear waste. The basis of these approaches is the efficient usage of radioactive elements and fission products via natural nutrition cycles. Sequestrants, siderophores, cytochromes, organic acids, and hydrogenase complexes have all been shown to be effective in the degradation pathways. Recent advances have been made in comprehending microbial colonisation. Several discoveries are on record for understanding the metal-microbial interactions in radioactive habitats as well as the biological foundation of radioactive waste conversion in these situations. In-depth investigations have shown the positive results in this domain. This review presents a quick overview of nuclear energy and waste creation, followed by applications, health impacts, nuclear waste management, and the significance of microbial radioactive waste breakdown.