Molecular mechanisms of microbial mercury resistance and their prospective applications in remediation of mercury-contaminated soils.

Di WANG; Huan LUO; Xiaojun SHI; Zhenlun LI; Ying MA

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Molecular mechanisms of microbial mercury resistance and their prospective applications in remediation of mercury-contaminated soils.

Author: Di WANG ¹ ; Huan LUO ¹ ; Xiaojun SHI ¹ ; Zhenlun LI ¹ ; Ying MA ¹
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1. Chongqing Key Laboratory of Interface Process and Soil Health, College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China.
Publication Type:English Abstract
Keywords: bioremediation; mercury-contaminated soil; microorganisms; molecular mechanisms of mercury resistance
MeSH: Mercury/toxicity*; Biodegradation, Environmental; Soil Pollutants/isolation & purification*; Soil Microbiology; Plants, Genetically Modified/metabolism*; Bacteria/genetics*
From: Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(4):1323-1339
CountryChina
Language:Chinese
Abstract: Mercury (Hg)-contaminated soil poses a significant threat to the environment and human health. Hg-resistant microorganisms have the ability to survive under the stress of inorganic and organic Hg and effectively reduce Hg levels and toxicity. Compared to physical and chemical remediation methods, microbial remediation technologies have garnered increasing attention in recent years due to their lower cost, remarkable efficacy, and minimal environmental impact. This paper systematically elucidates the molecular mechanisms of Hg resistance in microbes, with a focus on their potential applications in phytoremediation of Hg-contaminated soils through plant-microbe interactions. Furthermore, it highlights the critical role of microbes in enhancing the effectiveness of transgenic plants for Hg remediation, aiming to provide a theoretical foundation and scientific basis for the bioremediation of Hg-contaminated soils.