Abstract

Metal contamination in the environment can be caused by industrial processes such mining, electroplating, cement manufacture, metallurgical operations, as well as the production of plastics, fertilisers, insecticides, batteries, dyes, and anticorrosive agents [1-15]. Due to the non-biodegradable nature of metal pollution, their conversion into hazardous and cancer-causing chemicals, and their bioaccumulation along the food chain, this is an urgent issue. The recovery of rare earth elements and platinum group metals is encouraged at the same time due to their high commercial importance. Metal recovery in the form of nanoparticles can be facilitated by microbial interaction with metals or metal-bearing materials. Because of their distinct properties and potential uses, metal nanoparticles are receiving more and more attention. agents that fight bacteria and biofilms, biocatalysts for wastewater treatment, targeted medicine delivery, and water electrolysis. Metal nanoparticles ought to be uniform in size and shape and safe for both people and the environment. In contrast to chemical and physical processes, microbial production of nanoparticles is a safe and sustainable method. In this review paper, we primarily focus on the benefits of using metal and metal salt nanoparticles produced by a variety of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungus, microalgae, and yeasts, in biological, health, and environmental applications.

Metals and non-metals are supplied to the manufacturing and refining industries by mining, mineral processing, and extractive metallurgy. Mining produces waste products, just like all industrial activities do, and these wastes need to be properly treated and disposed of in order to prevent environmental damage. Additionally, the creation of cement, the burning of fossil fuels, the tanning of leather, and the production of plastics, fertilisers, Ni-Cd batteries, paints, pigments, and dyes result in the formation of wastewaters that are high in metal ions. Due to the nondegradable nature of some metal compounds, their potential toxicity or carcinogenicity, as well as their accumulation in animals through the food chains, metal-rich wastewaters pose a severe hazard to the ecosystem. The United States Environmental Protection Agency works to reduce contamination.