A Review of Microalgae- and Cyanobacteria-Based Biodegradation of Organic Pollutants

Molecules. 2022 Feb 8;27(3):1141. doi: 10.3390/molecules27031141.

Abstract

This review proposes a new bioremediation method based on the diverse functionalities of algae. A greenway for cleansing wastewater is more ecologically friendly and environmentally sustainable than prior methods with other bacteria. New bioremediation technology employing algae and cyanobacteria for the removal of a wide range of organic contaminants is reasonable and has great potential. The prevalence of organic contaminants in aquatic habitats may endanger the health and well-being of several marine creatures. Agriculture, industry, and household trash are just a few of the human-caused sources of organic pollutants that contaminate waterways around the world. Before wastewater can be released into waterways, it must be cleaned. Algae-based wastewater treatment systems are becoming increasingly popular because of their environmental sustainability and lack of secondary pollutants. According to the kind of pollutant, the physicochemical properties of wastewater, and the algal species, algae and cyanobacteria can absorb and accumulate a wide spectrum of organic pollutants at different rates. In addition, phytoremediation is a cost-effective alternative to conventional treatments for degrading organic contaminants. Phycoremediationally produced algal biomass may also be an important part of the bioenergy value chain. This article focuses on microalgae and cyanobacteria species, which may remove many organic contaminants from water systems.

Keywords: algae; azo dyes; bioremediation; herbicides; pesticides; phycoremediation.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biodegradation, Environmental
  • Cyanobacteria / metabolism*
  • Environmental Pollutants / metabolism*
  • Microalgae / metabolism*
  • Organic Chemicals / metabolism*
  • Water Purification

Substances

  • Environmental Pollutants
  • Organic Chemicals