MICROBIAL PROCESSES IN THE REMOVAL OF TOXIC METALS AND RADIONUCLIDES FROM THE ENVIRONMENT

The increasing amount of toxic metals and radionuclides emitted into the biosphere as a result of industrial activities indicate a potential hazard to the ecosystem. With the increasing need for the safe removal of toxic metals and radionuclides and the continued public interest of environmental problems, the microbial processes play an important role in the future of waste management. The key microbial processes which may effect mobilisation or immobilisation of toxic elements are reviewed.