The Role of Microorganisms in Bioremediation

Algae play a crucial role in bioremediation by removing a wide range of pollutants from water, including organic contaminants, heavy metals, phenolics, microplastics, and nutrients. Algae-based bioremediation is environmentally sustainable, cost-effective, and can be integrated with bioenergy and valuable product production.

Algae absorb and accumulate pollutants such as heavy metals, phenolics, and organic contaminants from wastewater, reducing their concentrations effectively.

Algae can break down complex organic pollutants and phenolics through metabolic and light-driven processes.

Algae remove excess nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus) from wastewater, helping prevent eutrophication.

Algae can transform toxic substances like arsenic into less harmful forms through oxidation, reduction, and volatilization pathways.

Algal biomass from bioremediation can be used for biofuel, biofertilizer, and high-value compounds, supporting a circular economy

Algae-based systems are eco-friendly, avoid secondary pollution, and contribute to carbon dioxide fixation.

Examples of algae used in Bioremediation

Nannochloropsis oculata: Highly effective in removing petroleum hydrocarbons (kerosene, diesel, gasoline) from polluted marine water, achieving removal efficiencies up to 84.58% for kerosene, 65.51% for diesel, and 70.77% for gasoline. This species is particularly robust and reliable for hydrocarbon bioremediation in tropical marine environments

Porphyridium cruentum: Also used for petroleum hydrocarbon removal, though less efficient than Nannochloropsis oculata, with removal rates ranging from 46.64% to 58.94% depending on the fuel type.

Tetraselmis suecica: Successfully cultivated in aquaculture wastewater, this microalga efficiently removes dissolved inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus, while producing valuable biomass rich in proteins.

Microalgae and Cyanobacteria: These groups are broadly effective in removing a wide range of organic pollutants, heavy metals, nutrients, and even pharmaceutical compounds from wastewater. Their adaptability and ability to accumulate or degrade contaminants make them central to many bioremediation strategies.