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There has been a significant rise in the levels of heavy metals (Pb, As, Hg and Cd) due to their increased industrial usage causing a severe concern to public health. The accumulation of heavy metals generates oxidative stress in the body causing fatal effects to important biological processes leading to cell death. Therefore, there is an imperative need to explore efficient and effective methods for the eradication of these heavy metals as against the conventionally used uneconomical and time consuming strategies that have numerous environmental hazards. One such eco-friendly, low cost and efficient alternative to target heavy metals is bioremediation technology that utilizes various microorganisms, green plants or enzymes for the abolition of heavy metals from polluted sites. This review comprehensively discusses toxicological manifestations of heavy metals along with the detailed description of bioremediation technologies employed such as phytoremediation and biosorption for the potential removal of these metals. It also updates readers about recent advances in bioremediation technologies like the use of nanoparticles, non-living biomass and transgenic crops.

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In this study, adsorption potential of soya bean adsorbent for lead (Pb) and arsenic (As) has been assessed in order to consider its suitability for purification of wastewater containing heavy metals. The main focus of study was on Pb and As. Batch experiments were performed to study the adsorption of Pb and As on soya bean absorbent. The effect of various experimental parameters (adsorbent dose, contact time, temperature and pH) was studied, and optimal conditions were determined. The effect of adsorbent dose on the biosorption of Pb and As from aqueous solution was studied at 37 °C by varying the adsorbent amount from 1 g/100 ml to 4 g/100 ml. Highest amount of Pb and As was adsorbed at sorbent amount of 3 g/100 ml. The optimum pH for removal of As and Pb was found to be 2.0 and 4.0 ± 0.26. Maximum biosorption of Pb and As was achieved at 37 °C. The maximum percentage removal of Pb and As was attained at 60 min of shaking time. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were utilized for equilibrium studies. It was found that biosorption by soya bean adsorbent was exothermic in nature. The thermal degradation analysis suggested that the degradation occurs in two steps and adsorbent is thermally stable.Keywords Biosorption · Soya bean adsorbent · Lead and arsenic · Sorption isotherm and thermal analysis of biosorbent

A 56-year-old kidney transplant recipient presented with a progressive cauliflower-like growth on the plantar surface of the right foot and on workup found to have chromoblastomycosis, which was successfully treated by antifungal agent and surgical excision with no recurrence. Chromoblastomycosis belongs to the heterogeneous group of subcutaneous mycoses. It is caused by various pigmented (dematiaceous) fungi, which gain entry into the skin via traumatic implantation. The case is of interest because it has so far not been reported from the northwest arid zone of India in kidney transplant recipients.