Autochthonous fungi are potential successful agents in the process of bioremediation through their efficient adaptation to pollutant toxicity and competition with other microorganisms that are present in the leachate treatment plant. The leachate from municipal waste landfills was an important source of fungi. Even though some of these fungi have the potential to be human pathogens, such strains when used in biological treatment approaches may serve as a possible tool for integrating the leachate bioremediation process because of the extracellular enzymes produced by fungal strains. In this study, the leachate sample was tested with regard to four parameters, including total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), pH, and the decolorization of the leachate sample by a number of indigenous species of fungi, which were observed by use of the culture techniques. The scanning electron microscope coupled with energy dispersive x-ray analysis, UV-spectrum, and reflected and transmitted polarizing light microscope were used in the research project to observe and assess the obtained data from the experimental work. The results indicated the various levels of efficiency of the isolated fungal strains in eliminating color, lowering TDS, EC, and pH through their geoactivities potential in metal biosorption and immobilization by biomineralization of new minerals in the growth environment and eventually reducing the metal bioavailability and toxicity.

Geomicrobiology is an interdisciplinary field of research that studies the role of microorganisms during the geological process from the inception of the earth and their perspective on the future of the earth. Scientists focused on microbe mineral interactions in various processes such as bioweathering, transformation, and the formation of biominerals to better understand the role of microbes in geological processes. Those processes are part of the geochemical cycles of elements, some of which are essential nutrients for life and others are toxic to life. Microorganisms, especially fungi and bacteria, as well as their exudates, are the major agents of geomicrobiology due to their important geological activities, which have a role in the bioweathering of rocks and minerals. Mobilization and immobilization of metals as well as the formation of new biominerals occur because of these activities and their fast growth. They are well known to be used in different strategies of bioremediation and they are genetically engineered to become more specific in removing and dissolving pollutants in the environment. The goal of the review was to outline the role of bacteria and fungi in bioremediation as well as in important geological processes, such as mineral alteration, bioweathering and biomineralization.

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