Exploiting algae in remediation technologies: A review

Environmental pollution is one of t he widespread problems in ecosystem functioning. The release of organic and inorganic po llutants represents a potential threat to publi c health. These pollutants can travel great distances affecting food chain and public health. Expensiveness and generation of se condary contaminants, lead to replacement of chemical andphysicochemical methods with b iological, low-cost and eco-friendly methods, such are bioremediation andphytoremediatio n. Although bacteria and fungi have been te sted for bioremediation potential, there is an elevated interest in recruitment of algae for rem ediation techniques. Many algal strains have been studied in the phytoremediation of heavy metals. Algae have ability to bind metals on to the cell surface or inside of the cells, forming complex formation which has the potential to neutralize toxic effects of heavy metals. Several micro-algal and cyanobacterial strains have the catalytic activity of cytoc hromes, and are capable of using organic pollutants, such are benzene, toluene, PAHs, PCBs, bisphenol, petroleum hydrocarbons , insecticides and pesticides as carbon and energy sources. Various pollutants in aqueous systems can be removed by application of imm obilized microalgae and cyanobacteria, especially in wastewaters that are contaminated by i ndustrial and agricultural activities. Moreover, application of alginate and carrageenan may be considered as a promising technolo gy in removal of heavy metals, organotin and phenolic compounds from wastewaters. Recently, methods of genetic en gineering were developed in order to improve the remediation capability of algae. Several transgenic algal systems were designed for the treatment of heavy metal contaminated wastewaters. This review aims to give basic infor mation about the role and possible application of algae in soil and water remediation technol ogies.