BIOREMEDIATION AS WATER TREATMENT FOR HEAVY METAL REMOVAL: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW (2015-2025)

Resumen

The presented systematic review analyzes the influence of bioremediation of heavy metals as a water treatment technique from 2015 to 2025. The main and specific objectives were to assess the contribution of bioremediation in the removal of chemical pollutants from water, as well as its impact from a sustainable and effective perspective. An in-depth exploration was conducted in the Web of Science database, using specific keywords and inclusion and exclusion parameters. The results indicate that bioremediation techniques are sustainable and efficient methods, with heavy metal adsorption values reaching up to 100% when using biological organisms, improving water quality for reuse or safe discharge into the environment. However, limitations were also identified, such as the performance of microorganisms depending on the adsorbate or adsorbent biomaterials, which may be affected by factors such as pH, temperature, and high concentrations of toxic substances. The need for the application of nanoparticles or optimized microorganisms may be limited by regulations and have a negative ecological impact. The contribution of this review to the literature is significant, highlighting both the advantages and limitations of bioremediation. Future research is suggested to delve deeper into the optimization of bioremediation execution conditions, to improve the resistance and adsorption capacity of biological organisms, the use of nanotechnology to enhance the process, and the development of strategies for the recovery and recycling of adsorbed metals