A Review on Lead Toxicity and Its Mitigation

Abstract

Various anthropogenic activities have resulted in major environmental concerns which includes residual hydrocarbons, heavy metals and various unessential trace elements. Lead is purely toxic in nature and its involvement in physiological or biochemical functions of the organism proved to be harmful. Its persistence in the environment and continuously increase in levels posing a serious threat in almost every country. Techniques such as phytoremediation, where the utilization of fungal and bacterial strains may help in reduction of the lead contamination areas proved to be better than conventional methods in aspects of safety and cost effectiveness. Plants, fungi, and bacteria are used to remove and degrade contaminants from soil and water. A wide variety of plant species have been used in phytoremediation research and practical applications. In the lab, some examples of bioremediation using fungi and bacteria have been tested. Microbial bioremediation can lower heavy metal concentrations because microorganisms, particularly bacteria, can sequester and transform them. Requirement of more efficient and potent means for the remediation of lead poisoning is obvious.