Biosorption, Bioaccumulation, Biovolatilization of Potentially Toxic Elements by Microorganisms

Abstract

This review deals with the current state of knowledge of biosorption, bioaccumulation and biovolatilization. The changes in mobility of elements occurring in the environment by biosorption, bioaccumulation and biovola­tilization are an important part of their biogeochemical cycles. Biosorption and bioaccumulation can also be applied as an alternative methods for removal of contaminants from the environment. Biosorption is a process of passive binding of substances by adsorption on biomass surface, mainly driven by physicochemical forces. At present, biosorption is a well-known concept in bioremediation and its use for commercial purposes is becoming common. Bioaccumulation is active process of binding substances on cell surface together with accumulation of elements in the intracellular space of microorganisms. It is a complex enzymatic process, associated with the cell metabolism.