Microbial Alleviation: Harnessing Microorganism for Sustainable Heavy Metal Bioremediation in Agriculture Soil

Heavy metal contamination in agricultural soils significantly threatens food safety, crop productivity, and environmental health. This work explores the potential of microbial alleviation as a sustainable approach to mitigate heavy metal pollution in agricultural soils. Soil samples were collected from an onion field in Thoothukudi, India, and analyzed for microbial content. The predominant microorganism identified was Pseudomonas aeruginosa, confirmed through MALDI-TOF analysis. To evaluate the heavy metal bioremediation capability of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, metal solutions of varying concentrations were prepared and incubated with the bacterial colonies. The uptake of heavy metals by Pseudomonas aeruginosa was quantitatively assessed using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). Results indicate that Pseudomonas aeruginosa effectively absorbs significant amounts of heavy metals, highlighting its potential as a viable agent for bioremediation in contaminated agricultural soils. This study underscores the importance of utilizing naturally occurring microorganisms to enhance soil health and promote sustainable agricultural practices.