Fungal endophyte: a promising tool of heavy metal bioremediation

SAJSET-01-2023-0023

Abstract

In recent years, heavy metal pollution has become an increasingly serious global problem. As such, considerable research has been devoted to finding effective ways to remove these potentially toxic substances from contaminated soils and water sources. Bioremediation is one of the most promising methods of achieving this, as living organisms are often capable of substantial pollutant removal. Fungal endophytes, which are microorganisms living within the tissues of plants without causing any detectable pathology, have been identified as an especially promising component of bioremediation processes. This review focuses on the current understanding of endophytic fungi, with an emphasis on the potential for their use in heavy metal bioremediation, the review then explores the bioremediation potential of endophytic fungi, including their ability to reduce the toxicity of heavy metals such as cadmium, lead, zinc, and chromium. Overall, this review suggests that endophytes hold considerable potential for heavy metals bioremediation. In particular, more research is needed into the mechanisms of heavy metal uptake and detoxification by endophytic fungi. Moreover, the effect of environmental conditions on the efficacy of such processes needs to be studied further.