Microalgae-Mediated Biosorption for Effective Heavy Metals Removal from Wastewater: A Review
Dumisane Mahlangu, Keletso Mphahlele, Francesco De Paola, Nomcebo H. Mthombeni
Abstract
Environmental contamination by heavy metals poses significant threats to terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, necessitating the development of effective remediation strategies. Conventional methods for heavy metal removal exhibit limitations, including inadequate efficiency and elevated costs. In this context, microalgae have emerged as a promising bioremediation approach due to their robust metal-binding capabilities, specifically through biosorption. This review comprehensively examines the role of microalgae in addressing heavy metal pollution, with a primary focus on their effective removal from wastewater. Microalgae offer wastewater purification potential across diverse sources and capitalize on wastewater as a growth matrix, yielding valuable bioproducts, biomaterials, and bioenergy. Their versatility allows them to thrive in various wastewaters, facilitating effective contaminant removal. This study also investigates the application of microalgae in decentralized water treatment systems (DWTSs), where the decentralized nature of these systems proves advantageous in addressing heavy metal contaminants directly at the point of generation or use. This approach holds particular significance in regions where centralized systems face obstacles due to geographical constraints, inadequate infrastructure, or financial limitations. DWTSs not only provide a decentralized solution for heavy metals removal but also prove advantageous in disaster relief scenarios and rapidly growing urban areas.