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Copper-resistant microorganisms and their role in the environment

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Abstract

Naturally occurring, copper-resistant microorganisms are common in the environment. This review discusses the mechanism of copper resistance, which is not yet clearly understood, though the copper resistance conferred by a plasmid pPT23D has been elucidated at the molecular level. The different applications of copper-resistant microorganisms are described, including commerical bloleaching of copper ores. The construction of novel bioleaching strains through recombinant DNA technology may be possible. Biosorbents, the non-living microbial blomass, have been successfully used for metal recovery operations and are also reviewed.

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  1. Institute of Microbial Technology, Sector 39-A, Bost Box No. 1304, 160036, Chandigarh, India

    Rakesh K. Jain

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Jain, R.K. Copper-resistant microorganisms and their role in the environment. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 6, 356–365 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01202115

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