REMEDIATION OF BORON TOXICITY USING BACTERIA

Abstract

Boron is a very important mine for the world and an absolutely required plant nutrient especially for sustainable soil fertility. Turkey is the leading country in terms of boron reserve. It can reach to toxic levels due to mining activities, municipal wastes and agricultural activities. This may lead to severe productivity decrease in agriculture and may harm human health via food chain. Boron is the 51st most widespread element of the earth crust but is not found in a free from but always as a compound. However, it can easily enter the soil solution and therefore can enter plant body easily as an available form. Boron can become toxic to organisms. It can contaminate soil and wastewaters. The contamination of boron can be remediated using boron tolerant and boron accumulating bacteria belonging to Bacillus, Halomonas, Pseudomonas, Enterococcus and Acinetobacter genera. Bacteria especially belonging to Bacillus genus have been isolated from boron contaminated sites and suggested to be used for bioremediation of such areas. This study reviews the bioremediation of boron contaminated sites by bacteria related with the accumulation of boron. © 2021 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.