Microbial siderophores an envisaged tool for asbestos bioremediation – A microcosm approach

Abstract

Abstract The stability of asbestos in natural environment with its biological aggressiveness and toxicity leading to carcinogenesis is related to its fibrous structure, dimensions and presence of iron in its chemical composition. In an effort to reduce its toxicity by limiting its biopersistence, physico-chemical methods have proved futile. A probable solution highlighted in the present investigation is bioremediation. Capitalizing the iron chelating ability of siderophores, as a tool for reducing asbestos toxicity is the main feature under study. A comparative assessment of the siderophore synthesizing ability and their iron chelation potential showed that the identified bacterial species namely Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus atrophaeus as well as the fungal species Aspergillus tubingenesis and Coemansia reversa harboured a similar effectivity towards reducing asbestos toxicity. A microcosm approach was thus envisaged as a probable tool for the same.