Harnessing Microalgae and Cyanobacteria for Sustainable Pesticide Biodegradation: Advances, Challenges, and Ecological Benefits
Nurziya R. Akmukhanova, Sandugash N. Seiilbek, B. K. Zayadan, К. Болатхан, Ramina A. Bakytzhan, Gulzhaina S. Domash, Barry D. Bruce
Abstract
Microalgae and cyanobacteria, as versatile photoautotrophic microorganisms, hold significant promise for mitigating soil and water pollution-particularly the removal of pesticides. This review examines their multifaceted roles in pesticide biodegradation, emphasizing how their metabolic capabilities simultaneously reduce environmental toxicity, enrich soil properties, and support beneficial microbiota. Cultivation in wastewater treatment systems further highlights their potential for cost-effective bioremediation, as these microbes degrade pesticides, recycle nutrients, break down organic pollutants, and generate biomass with value-added applications. Despite these advantages, implementing large-scale processes remains challenging. Key hurdles include optimizing growth parameters, preventing contamination, improving harvest efficiency, and designing robust bioreactors. Addressing these complexities demands interdisciplinary collaboration in strain selection, metabolic engineering, and process intensification. By capitalizing on microalgae and cyanobacteria's adaptability and metabolic flexibility, we can develop more sustainable management strategies that reduce reliance on chemical inputs, foster soil health, and contribute to long-term ecological restoration. Ultimately, these microorganisms have the potential to reshape environmental stewardship by combining economic viability with broad-scale ecological benefits.