Endophytes: Emerging tools for the bioremediation of pollutants

Pollutants are toxic to living organisms and the environment. Removal of these pollutants using biological agents has been attempted, with many of these successfully performed by a variety of bacteria and fungi. In recent years, a group of microorganisms known as endophytes have been explored for their bioremediation potential. Endophytes are microorganisms that exist in the tissues of the host plant and have traditionally been studied for their plant growth-promoting properties, biocontrol activities, and production of bioactive compounds. Their bioremediation potential is new and has tremendous room for research and development. Endophytes are, therefore, interesting microorganisms in our effort to discover new tools for the bioremediation of pollutants. In this chapter, the nature of endophytes, their tolerance to pollutants, and their application and mechanisms in removing pollutants such as toxic metals and triphenylmethane dyes are discussed. Examples of known endophytic species are also highlighted, and the methods in bioprospecting for these endophytic isolates are also discussed.