13. Environmental Mercury Toxicity and Its Bioremediation

Mercury (Hg) finds the 80th position in the periodic table and exists in its various physical and chemical states. It is a heavy metal and serves as a global pollutant. It is emitted into the environment from both natural and anthropogenic sources, accumulating in ecosystems and having a negative impact on plants, animals, and people. The fact that this material is harmful and polluting is what causes widespread concern. The brain, central nervous system, and other organs sustain serious damage as a result of its potent neurotoxic effects. From its initial state, mercury goes through substantial changes, changing its chemical forms, traveling across the environment, and eventually settling in soil and sediment deposits. Once it contaminates the soil it is not easy to remove or detoxify. Hg remediation can be achieved by many conventional techniques which include physical, chemical, and combination of both methods. The conventional methods are costly and not enough to detoxify Hg completely as well as time-consuming. On the other hand, the bioremediation of mercury which includes microbial bioremediation and phytoremediation are eye-catching methods used worldwide with potential recovery and detoxification. The bioremediation methods are eco-friendly, cost-effective, and also recognized by environmental regulatory authorities. This chapter emphasizes the Hg toxicity, sources of Hg pollution, and recent developments in the bioremediation of mercury.