Microalgal Phycoremediation: A Glimpse into a Sustainable Environment

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Biotechnology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Microalgae face continuous exposure to heavy metals and metalloids (HMMs).
• HMMs cause physiological and metabolic abnormalities, hindering microalgal growth, reproduction, and crop productivity.
• Microalgae must develop adaptive strategies to survive HMM-induced stress without compromising essential life functions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the mechanisms by which microalgae alter their physicochemical and molecular characteristics in response to HMM stress.
• To explore physiological and biotechnological approaches for enhancing HMM removal by microalgae.
• To highlight the potential of microalgae as a model organism for future HMM remediation applications.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on HMM-induced stress responses in microalgae.
• Analysis of signaling cascades governing gene expression at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels.
• Evaluation of biotechnological methods for enhancing microalgal HMM bio-accumulation and remediation.

Main Results:

• Microalgae exhibit altered biochemical and physiochemical parameters as a result of HMM exposure.
• Complex signaling pathways regulate gene expression, leading to adapted molecular and physicochemical profiles.
• Physiological and genetic modifications can enhance microalgae's extracellular absorption and cleanup capabilities.

Conclusions:

• Microalgae possess inherent adaptive mechanisms to tolerate HMMs through molecular and physicochemical alterations.
• Biotechnological interventions, including genetic engineering, can significantly boost microalgal HMM bio-accumulation and remediation efficiency.
• Microalgae hold substantial promise for future applications in heavy metal and metalloid removal from the environment.