ABSTRACT
In this chapter, arsenic-accumulating and arsenic-transforming bacterial strains that can be employed as a source for cost-effective and eco-friendly bioremediation of arsenics from contaminated environments have been reviewed. This chapter demonstrates that many naturally occurring bacterial strains like B1-CDA have the potential for reducing arsenic content in contaminated sources to safe levels. Therefore, the socioeconomic impact of this kind of microorganisms is highly significant for those countries, especially in the developing world, where impoverished families and villages are most impacted. Therefore, this discovery should be considered to be the most significant factor in formulating national strategies for effective poverty elimination. Besides human arsenic contamination, these bacterial strains will also benefit livestock and native animal species, and the outcome of these studies is vital not only for people in arsenic-affected areas but also for human populations in other countries that have credible health concerns as a consequence of arsenic-contaminated water and foods.
