Biotoxicological Investigations of Heavy metals [Cr (VI) and As (III)] on different Bacteria Plants and Animals

Abstract

Natural substances known as heavy metals exhibit huge atomic masses with densities which are at least five times higher than those of water. Their widespread dispersion in ecosyplumules as a result of their diverse commercial, residential, agricultural, medical, and technical projects has sparked worries about their possible environmental and social health repercussions. Nevertheless, their inappropriate utilization can have a detrimental effect on agricultural productivity and soil microorganisms, destructive to marine life as well as cause environmental problems. taking into account these considerations, an in vitro investigation was conducted to assess the impact of heavy metals, Cr (VI) and As (III), at suggested, lower, and higher concentration levels on the growth pattern and membrane integrity of isolated microbial specimens (Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis). Additionally, their harmful effects were examined in relation to the development and germination of plant seeds (Solanum lycopersicum and Eruca sativa), and animal cells (Artemia salina). The development of examined bacteria, plants and animal cells subjected to both heavy metals with concentrations beyond the suggested dose has shown a concentration-dependent almost equal sequential drop in cells in treatment with both heavy metals, according to the research findings. However, in comparison the bacterial cells showed variable sensitivity to both heavy metals, (as both are toxic) but E. coli showed greater sensitivity to As (III), while B. subtilis exhibit higher sensitivity to Cr (VI). Similarly in the case of plants both heavy metals exhibit almost equal toxic behavior to the selected plant seeds. On the other hand, this case was different in exposure to Artemia salina which demonstrated higher sensitivity to As (III). Moreover, the spectrophotometric and FTIR (Fourier transform infrared) outcomes demonstrated that, in a shake flask experiment, the selected species of B. subtilis and E. coli displayed 98 and 83% bioremoval of Cr (VI) and 98% bioremoval of As (III) in 48 hours. In summary, the current findings provide valuable insights regarding the mechanical perspective of heavy metal-induced cellular toxicity toward bacteria, plants, and animals. Additionally, they demonstrate the possibility for bacterial cells to bio transform these metals in a way that mitigates their detrimental repercussions.