Interfacial Engineering Using Algal Biomolecules for Oil Pollution Mitigation

Crude oil spills present a significant risk to marine and land ecosystems, causing extensive long-term environmental damage and posing health risks due to the enduring nature of toxic hydrocarbons. However, diverse families of algal taxa have proven to be highly effective phycoremediation tools, exploiting metabolic versatility and surface properties to remediate oil components via biosorption, bioaccumulation, and enzymatic degradation of both aliphatic and aromatic fractions. Studies have shown that algal systems can effectively degrade complex oil components via multiple metabolic pathways, thereby offering a sustainable alternative to conventional remediation techniques. Recent advances in cultivation systems have enhanced biomass productivity, thereby improving remediation efficiency. This review emphasizes surface interactions, factors influencing performance, and the intricate mechanisms of oil degradation used by various algal species. With high surface-to-volume ratios, carbon sequestration potential, and biomass valorization prospects, algal systems offer a promising, eco-friendly approach to mitigating oil pollution and restoring affected environments.