Bioremediation of Heavy Metals by Cells or Metabolites Microbial Immobilized

Abstract

Heavy metals concentrations in the environment increases alarmingly. Heavy metals profoundly affect biological systems either positively because they are essential in low concentrations or negatively because they are toxic. Bioremediation using microorganisms is a potential strategy for the decontamination of natural environments modified mainly by anthropogenic activities however the application of free microorganisms? presents many limitations. Immobilized cells have been extensively used as an important tool in some biotechnological processes because the immobilization increases cellular stability and survival. The use of immobilized microbial cells, as well as their metabolites capable of modifying toxic substances in natural environments, offers a promising alternative and more environmental friendly than the strategies used so far.In this chapter is proposed, the use of cells or metabolites microbial in immobilized systems as a promising tool for heavy metal removal. A better understanding of these processes and the physiology of immobilized microorganisms will contribute to the implementation of this technology in processes such as effluent treatment or bioremediation.