Metalo-bacterial Interaction: Boon or Curse

Abstract

Eliminating carbon, nitrogen, sulphur and microelements from organic and inorganic material is an important biological activity of bacteria. By means of these bio-chemical activities the cells along with obtaining necessary energy for their development and elements also play a very important role in mineralization, mineral decomposition and biochemical cycles etc. Through metalo-bacterial interactions available in nature separation of metal from minerals, bio-conservation from poorly concentrated solutions or through adsorption the increase in the concentration of metals becomes possible. Such processes possess economic and industrial importance. In this review article a brief scientific description is available pertaining to the biological processes followed by the interactions of metals and bacteria.