Heavy Metal Pollution from Gold Mines: Environmental Effects and Bacterial Strategies for Resistance
North-West University · University of South Africa
Abstract
Mining activities can lead to the generation of large quantities of heavy metal laden wastes which are released in an uncontrolled manner, causing widespread contamination of the ecosystem. Though some heavy metals classified as essential are important for normal life physiological processes, higher concentrations above stipulated levels have deleterious effects on human health and biota. Bacteria able to withstand high concentrations of these heavy metals are found in the environment as a result of various inherent biochemical, physiological, and/or genetic mechanisms. These mechanisms can serve as potential tools for bioremediation of heavy metal polluted sites. This review focuses on the effects of heavy…
Citation impact
- FWCI
- 14.72
- Percentile
- 100%
- References
- 164
Authors
3Topics & keywords
- Biota
- Heavy metals
- Bioremediation
- Environmental science
- Pollution
- Environmental chemistry
- Contamination
- Ecosystem