Unlocking the Potential of Algae for Heavy Metal Remediation

Abstract

Abstract Algae have emerged as a promising approach for the removal of heavy metals from wastewater due to their low-cost, efficient, and eco-friendly characteristics. The unique structural and biochemical properties of algae enable them to remove heavy metals from wastewater using various mechanisms, including physical adsorption, ion exchange, complexation, precipitation, phycoremediation, and bioaccumulation. Algal modification techniques such as pre-treatment, immobilization, and genetic modification are also discussed as means of enhancing the efficiency and specificity of heavy metal removal. Additionally, the regeneration of algal biomass is presented as a sustainable solution to the issue of algal disposal.