Microalgal extracellular polymeric substances and their interactions with metal(loid)s: A review

Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) are biopolymers secreted by microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and algae that may play a significant role in the speciation, toxicity, and biogeochemical cycles of metal(loid)s. In this review, we described the current understanding of the composition and physicochemical properties of microalgal EPS, summarized their roles in the sequestration and transformation of metal(loid)s, and examined the factors that could influence EPS-metal(loid) interactions. Applications of microalgal EPS to the remediation of metal(loid) polluted environments were demonstrated. Future research topics, in particular the mechanisms of EPS and metal(loid) interactions, were also discussed.