Rapid industrialization and technology development have adverse side effects like soil contamination
and degrading soil health. Due to the complexity involved in the conventional methods for remediation
of soil, the use of microbes has arisen as a time-saver for bioremediation. However, bioremediation
technology has limitations; several microorganisms cannot break toxic metals into harmless metabolites,
and these have inhibitory effects on microbial activity. Modification in the outer membrane proteins of
bacteria with potential bioremediation properties for improving metal binding abilities is the likely way
to enhance their capacity for biotransformation of toxic metals. Future studies should focus on the factors
involved in improving in situ bioremediation strategies using genetically engineered microorganisms
(GEM) and also theapplicability and adaptability of these GEMs in all the possible adverse/stress
conditions and multiple-heavy-metal-polluted conditions. The reluctance among the public to accept
GEM for bioremediation also needs to be considered in future studies, and they must proved non-toxic
to the environment.