Biotechnological Routes to Detoxification of Mining Pollutants: A Comprehensive Review of Recent Trends and Mechanisms in Heavy Metal Bioremediation

Abstract

Water pollution caused by mining activity presents significant environmental and public health challenges. Open-pit mining, acid mine drainage (AMD), and heavy metals such as arsenic, mercury, lead, and cadmium threaten local ecosystems and populations. Open-pit mining, acid mine drainage (AMD), and heavy metals such as arsenic, mercury, lead, and cadmium threaten local ecosystems and tribal populations. Hydrogeochemical analysis reveals pH levels of 7.1 to 7.9 and total dissolved solids (TDS) up to 437 mg/L, TDS, turbidity, and SO42− exceeded the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) drinking acceptable limits and suggested that water is unsuitable for direct consumption with pollution sources including mining discharge (22.4%) and ash dumping (41.3%). Biotechnological solutions show promise for mitigating mining pollution. Desulfovibrio desulfuricans and Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans detoxify AMD by neutralizing acidity and removing metals like cadmium and lead. Bacillus cereus combined with biochar efficiently removes arsenic, cadmium, and chromium without harming aquatic life or crops. Systematic water sampling analyzed pH, turbidity, and heavy metals using advanced spectroscopy techniques. Insights from mines highlight microbial diversity in methane wells, dominated by Methanobacteria for hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis, and Roseomonas and Methylobacterium in marginal wells aiding methane utilization. This study aims to identify specific pollutants affecting water quality near mining areas and explore sustainable microbial treatments for detoxification. Evaluating health risks from long-term exposure to toxic metals will address knowledge gaps and guide actionable recommendations for improving water quality, safeguarding public health, and promoting sustainable mining practices in the region.