Microalgae-based bioremediation of emerging contaminants: techniques, recent developments, and future perspectives.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Biotechnology
• Ecotoxicology

Background:

• Industrialization and agriculture introduce persistent and emerging contaminants, posing environmental risks.
• Conventional remediation methods are often costly, inefficient, and environmentally damaging.
• Sustainable alternatives are crucial for effective pollutant removal and environmental protection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and critically examine microalgae-based bioremediation for persistent and emerging contaminants.
• To highlight the potential of microalgae in removing diverse pollutants like heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, and plastics.
• To explore applications of microalgae biomass and advancements in phycoremediation.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of microalgae-based bioremediation processes.
• Analysis of pollutant degradation mechanisms: biosorption, bioaccumulation, biotransformation, biodegradation, and photodegradation.
• Examination of specific microalgae species and their removal capacities for various contaminants.

Main Results:

• Microalgae effectively remove heavy metals (e.g., chromium by 66.6% using specific species), pharmaceuticals, dyes, hydrocarbons, and plastic waste.
• Microalgae utilize pollutants for their growth, generating valuable biomass.
• Phycoremediation offers a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to conventional treatments.

Conclusions:

• Microalgae present a significant potential for cost-effective and sustainable bioremediation of toxic contaminants.
• Further research into emerging technologies and microalgae applications can drive future environmental solutions.
• Microalgae-based wastewater treatment and biomass valorization are promising avenues for sustainable development.