ABSTRACT
Due to their toxicity, bio-accumulative nature, and persistence in the environment, heavy metals are well known as environmental pollutants. The main issues linked with heavy metals are their problematic biodegradation, bioaccumulation in tissues, and capability for bio-magnification. In addition to the physico-chemical methods employed for their removal, biological systems also are employed for the removal of heavy metals. Bioremediation is a waste management technique that involves using living organisms to remove pollutants. In bioremediation, biological organisms eliminate or deactivate environmental contaminants through a metabolic process. This chapter provides an account of the microbes used in bioremediation, factors affecting microbial bioremediation, in situ and ex situ bioremediation techniques, their advantages and disadvantages, and their applications.
