Seaweed biosorption: A green solution for heavy metal remediation in aquatic and soil environments

Abstract

The escalation of heavy metal pollution due to anthropogenic activities poses severe health risks to both humans and the ecosystems. Traditional remediation techniques often fall short in terms of economic viability and environmental sustainability . This review paper focuses on the biosorption capabilities of seaweed biomass, an underutilized resource with significant potential for the eco-friendly removal of heavy metals from aqueous solutions. We delve into the toxicological impacts of heavy metals, emphasizing their harmful effects on human health and ecological systems, and present seaweed biosorption as a novel and sustainable remediation technique. Through a comprehensive analysis of current studies, this paper highlights the abundant, nontoxic, and cost-effective nature of seaweeds , alongside their exceptional efficiency in heavy metal uptake from contaminated media. This article also aims to highlight the metal toxicity , adsorption mechanism, and the key parameters influencing the overall adsorption process. The characteristics that render seaweeds an ideal candidate for biosorption, including their biochemical composition and the presence of active functional groups, are discussed in detail.