Mechanisms of manganese bioremediation by microbes : an overview.

Abstract

Although an important micronutrient for many living organisms, manganese (Mn) can become a health and environmental problem at high concentrations. The element is usually found in wastewaters and drainages of different industrial sectors and its removal is notoriously difficult because of the high stability of theMn (II) ion in aqueous solutions. The treatment ofMn-laden wastewaters may include microorganisms that catalyze Mn oxidation by either enzymatic or non-enzymatic pathways. In this context, this mini-review discusses the mechanisms by which fungi and bacteria promoteMn bioremediation.