Phycoremediation: Heavy Metals Green-Removal by Microalgae and Its Application in Biofuel Production

Abstract

Heavy metals are non-degradable pollutants. Heavy metals accumulation in the environment increases along with the massive industrial activity and the growth of the human population. These pollutants are hazardous to various kinds of living things. The accumulation of heavy metals in the environment triggers bioaccumulation and biomagnification. Heavy metal exposure causes some health problems in humans. The conventional methods of heavy metals adsorption are less effective, expensive, and cause other problems. Phycoremediation using microalgae is a promising alternative method for absorbing heavy metals. Microalgal cells consist of various components such as lipids, polysaccharides, and proteins. Those compounds contain negative charges that will interact with positive charges on heavy metals. The bond between these different charges leads to the adsorption of heavy metals in the environment to the surface of microalgal cells. In this review, the authors discussed the potential use of microalgae to adsorb heavy metals polluting the environment. Phycoremediation is cheaper, easier, and safer for the environment. Besides, the microalgal biomass can be utilized in biofuel production