A comprehensive case review on microbial remediation of heavy metals and pesticides in the Yamuna River

Abstract

Water resources (mainly surface and groundwater) support two-thirds of the global population but have been of great concern in recent years. Most civilizations all around the world evolved on the river's banks. River Yamuna is the major tributary to River Ganga (India’s largest river) and one of the major rivers in India. The extreme cause of pollution in rivers is the excessive discharge of domestic waste water from adjacent towns and residents, contributing to about two-thirds of pollution. Agricultural and industrial effluents cause the rest one-third. Organic pollutants can be treated or removed through appropriate sewage water treatment before final discharge into the river. The status of river water is advantageous because it determines the life cycle of animals, plants, and human beings. The direct use of river water for drinking causes severe hazards due to anthropogenic activities causing environmental pollution in rivers. The noxious discharge of toxic industrial waste consisting of heavy metals and pesticides into the water bodies, especially rivers, prevails in water bodies and accumulates through the food chain. Biomagnification of toxic heavy metals and pesticides through the food chain causes severe health hazards to humans and other living creatures. However, extensive farming depends on pesticides, accelerating water and land contamination. Long-duration contact with pesticides can harm living organisms and disrupt the function of different body organs. Various chemical and biological methods are available for reducing the water pollution level. Still, the emergence of an astonishing technology of multi-cultures of aerobic and anaerobic effective and beneficial microorganisms is gaining popularity because of its ecofriendly nature.