Immobilization of Cadmium, Lead, and Copper in Soil Using Bacteria: A Literature Review

Saulius Vasarevičius () and Vaida Paliulienė
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Saulius Vasarevičius: Department of Environment Protection and Water Engineering, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, LT-10223 Vilnius, Lithuania
Vaida Paliulienė: Department of Environment Protection and Water Engineering, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, LT-10223 Vilnius, Lithuania

Land, 2025, vol. 14, issue 8, 1-18

Abstract: The heavy metal contamination of soils is a global environmental challenge threatening water quality, food safety, and human health. Using a systematic literature review approach, this study aimed to assess the potential of bacterial strains to immobilize cadmium (Cd 2+ ), lead (Pb 2+ ), and copper (Cu 2+ ) in contaminated soils. A total of 45 articles were analyzed, focusing on studies that reported heavy metal concentrations before and after bacterial treatment. The analysis revealed that bacterial genera such as Bacillus, Pseudomonas, and Enterobacter were most commonly used for the immobilization of these metals. Immobilization efficiencies ranged from 25% to over 98%, with higher efficiencies generally observed when microbial consortia or amendments (e.g., phosphate compounds and biochar) were applied. The main immobilization mechanisms included biosorption, bioprecipitation (such as carbonate-induced precipitation), bioaccumulation, and biomineralization, which convert mobile metal ions into more stable, less bioavailable forms. These findings highlight the promising role of microbial-assisted immobilization in mitigating heavy metal pollution and reducing ecological risks. Further laboratory and field studies are needed to optimize the use of these microbial strains under site-specific conditions to ensure effective and sustainable soil remediation practices.

Keywords: heavy metals; bacterial immobilization; cadmium; lead; copper; biosorption; soil remediation; environmental sustainability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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