Heavy Metal Pollution from Gold Mines: Environmental Effects and Bacterial Strategies for Resistance

Muibat Omotola Fashola, Veronica Mpode Ngole-Jeme and Olubukola Oluranti Babalola
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Muibat Omotola Fashola: Food Security and Safety Niche Area, Faculty of Agriculture, Science and Technology, North-West University, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa
Veronica Mpode Ngole-Jeme: Department of Environmental Sciences, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, UNISA, Florida, Private Bag X6 Florida, Roodepoort 1710, South Africa
Olubukola Oluranti Babalola: Food Security and Safety Niche Area, Faculty of Agriculture, Science and Technology, North-West University, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa

IJERPH, 2016, vol. 13, issue 11, 1-20

Abstract: Mining activities can lead to the generation of large quantities of heavy metal laden wastes which are released in an uncontrolled manner, causing widespread contamination of the ecosystem. Though some heavy metals classified as essential are important for normal life physiological processes, higher concentrations above stipulated levels have deleterious effects on human health and biota. Bacteria able to withstand high concentrations of these heavy metals are found in the environment as a result of various inherent biochemical, physiological, and/or genetic mechanisms. These mechanisms can serve as potential tools for bioremediation of heavy metal polluted sites. This review focuses on the effects of heavy metal wastes generated from gold mining activities on the environment and the various mechanisms used by bacteria to counteract the effect of these heavy metals in their immediate environment.

Keywords: bioremediation; environmental pollution; metal toxicity; mine wastes (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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