Abstract
Phycoremediation involves the remediation of contaminants in a water body using algae (micro and macro). Algae fix carbon-dioxide by photosynthesis and remove excess nutrients effectively at minimal cost. It removes pathogens and toxic materials from waste water. Xenobiotics, chemicals and heavy metals are known to be detoxified, transform, accumulated or volatilized by algal metabolism. It offers advantage over conventional methods of remediation by its effectiveness, efficiency and eco-friendly nature. Commercially, it involves design and construction of Waste Stabilization Pond System (WSPs) and High Rate Algal Ponds (HRAP) with difference in that WSPs are unmixed or involves a little mixing, so can experience stratification, but the HRAPs involves process of mixing using paddle wheel. There are industries that are commercially involved in phycoremediation and they experience cost reduction and maximization of profit compared to the convectional system of remediation.
Highlights
Algae are plant-like, unicellular or multicellular aquatic organisms [22]
The algae produce oxygen from water as a by-product of photosynthesis. This oxygen is used by the bacteria as they aerobically bio-oxidize the organic compounds in the wastewater
Carbon dioxide is the end-product of this bio-oxidation which is converted into cell carbon by the algae during photosynthesis
Summary
Algae are plant-like, unicellular or multicellular aquatic organisms [22]. Bioremediation performed by algae is termed phycoremediation [9]. Microalgae are superior in remediation processes as a wide range of toxic, and other wastes can be treated with algae and they are non-pathogenic. The xenobiotics and heavy metals are known to be detoxified, transformed or volatilized by algal metabolism [21] They have the ability to take up various kinds of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus [16]. The use of microalgae to treat wastewater is an environmental friendly method with no secondary pollution as long as the biomass produced is reused and efficient nutrient recycling is allowed. Algal biomass forms an important food source for shellfish or other aquatic species [25] This wide variety application of microalgae explains the interest in controlling their growth. Several industries in the world are utilizing this technology and examples of such companies include; Algae tech International (Malaysia,) Sunrise Ridge Algae, Inc. (USA), Snap Natural &Alginate Products LTD (India), Nutraville International (Chennai)
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