ABSTRACT
Biosorption is a promising bioremediation process that has low cost, easy implementation, and a vast amount of biomass that can act as biosorbents for contaminating species of organic and inorganic nature. Microorganisms are widely reported in the literature as excellent biosorbents. In this context, bacteria and fungi deserve to be highlighted, as they present remarkable characteristics for carrying out this biotechnological process. Bacteria have a high surface/volume ratio and rapid development rates, and grow in different environments and culture conditions, in addition to secreting extracellular polymeric substances that facilitate the biosorptive process. Fungi have cellular components that act as active sites of inorganic/organic species; they are biomasses that are easy to handle and have good yield. Filamentous fungi, for example, are widely studied in biosorptive processes. This chapter presents reports of biosorption of potentially toxic metals and organic pollutants mediated by bacteria and fungi. Useful terms are in the glossary plus updated references.
