Microbial production and environmental applications of Pd nanoparticles for treatment of halogenated compounds

► Recovery of precious metals from scrap leachates by bacteria results in nanoparticle formation. ► Bio-nanoparticles are active in dehalogenation, reduction and CC coupling reactions. ► Niche markets should be explored in which both the Pd and the bacteria are advantageous. ► Biogenic bimetallic catalysts can be produced and have shown to be more active relative to bio-Pd.