Clay-Microbe Interactions and Implication for Remediation of Inorganic Contaminants

Mineral–microbe interactions indirectly affect the geochemical fluxes and biogeochemical cycling of a large number of elements. Among them are toxic heavy metals (e.g. chromium), radionuclides (uranium and technetium), and nitrogen. Heavy metals and radionuclides enter the environment from various sources such as mining activity, nuclear weapons production, metallurgical and chemical industries. Other metals, such as lead, arsenic, antimony, and cadmium, are enriched in certain environments by either natural or anthropogenic processes. Because many of these metals and radionuclides are carcinogens, their release into the environment and their fate cause intense scientific and public concern and are the subject of substantial research. Nitrate enters the environment largely through agricultural activity. Human health risks from nitrate uptake from drinking water supplies run the gamut from increased cancer risk to birth defects.