Metabolic response of Bacillus spp. to heavy metal stress: pathway alterations and metabolite profiles.

Heavy metal pollution is a global issue that poses significant risks to ecosystems and human health. Microorganisms offer a promising bioremediation approach due to their ability to mitigate metal-induced metabolic damage in an eco-friendly, efficient, and cost-effective manner. Among them, Gram-positive Bacillus species exhibit a high heavy metal adsorption capacity and secrete metabolites with diverse functional properties. Under heavy metal stress, these metabolites play a crucial role in alleviating metal-induced damage. However, the application of Bacillus metabolites in heavy metal remediation faces challenges, including prolonged treatment durations, the necessity for stable environmental conditions, and specific nutrient requirements.This review summarizes recent research on the effects of heavy metal exposure on the metabolic pathways and metabolites of Bacillus spp., elucidates their role in influencing metal bioavailability and chemical transformations, and explores innovative strategies to enhance the stability of Bacillus-mediated heavy metal remediation. The review aims to provide valuable insights for optimizing bioremediation strategies, facilitating the selection of efficient degrading strains, and advancing the sustainable management of heavy metal contamination.