Fluoride is widely found in soil–water systems due to anthropogenic and geogenic activities that affect millions worldwide. Fluoride ingestion results in chronic and acute toxicity, including skeletal and dental fluorosis, neurological damage, and bone softening in humans. Therefore, this review paper summarizes biological processes for fluoride remediation, i.e., bioaccumulation in plants and microbially assisted systems. Bioremediation approaches for fluoride removal have recently gained prominence in removing fluoride ions. Plants are vulnerable to fluoride accumulation in soil, and their growth and development can be negatively affected, even with low fluoride content in the soil. The microbial bioremediation processes involve bioaccumulation, biotransformation, and biosorption. Bacterial, fungal, and algal biomass are ecologically efficient bioremediators. Most bioremediation techniques are laboratory-scale based on contaminated solutions; however, treatment of fluoride-contaminated wastewater at an industrial scale is yet to be investigated. Therefore, this review recommends the practical applicability and sustainability of microbial bioremediation of fluoride in different environments.

Groundwater arsenic (As) contamination is a serious environmental and public health concern worldwide. Adverse health outcomes and poor socio-economic conditions made the contamination scenario worse in the Ganga–Brahmaputra–Meghna (GBM) plains, including Bihar state of India. Recently, the population in Bihar has been experiencing high risks of As exposure from drinking water and foods. However, limited studies are available on groundwater As, its transfer to foodstuffs, and associated health effects for the state. Therefore, this review addressed the current scenario of groundwater As, its subsequent transfer in edible plants, and associated health effects on the local population of Bihar. Apart from other remediation options, the potential of bioremediation was also explored as an effective way of As mitigation. Among the four major agro-climatic zones in Bihar, high numbers of As-affected districts are situated in Zone I and Zone II, respectively. The risk of cancers in human organs like skin, bladder, kidney, liver, and lung has been increasing in the state with the prevalence of high As levels, particularly near and north of the Ganga river. A significant correlation was found between maximum As levels in water and blood. Food items particularly wheat could play a significant role in As exposure apart from drinking water. Still, As mitigation approach is solely focused on drinking water, and measures are necessary to reduce exposure from foodstuffs. Although several indigenous bacterial strains were found promising for bioremediation in Bihar, further understanding is essential for their application. Moreover, effective policies and regulations are needed based on spatial variation in contamination, socio-economic conditions, and demographic characteristics.