Algal mediated intervention for the retrieval of emerging pollutants from aqueous media

Water is a crucial elemental contributor for all sectors; however, the agricultural sector alone accounts for 70% of the world's total water withdrawal. The anthropogenic activity from various industries including agriculture, textiles, plastics, leather, and defence has resulted in the release of contaminants into water systems, resulting harm to the ecosystem and biotic community. Algae-based organic pollutant removal uses several methods, such as biosorption, bioaccumulation, biotransformation, and biodegradation. The adsorption of methylene blue by algal species Chlamydomonas sp. showed a maximum adsorption capacity of 2744.5 mg/g with 96.13% removal efficiency; on the other hand, Isochrysis galbana demonstrated a maximum of 707 mu g/g nonylphenol accumula-tion in the cell with 77% removal efficiency indicating the potential of algal systems as efficient retrieval system for organic contaminants. This paper is a compilation of detailed information about biosorption, bio-accumulation, biotransformation, biodegradation, and their mechanism, along with the genetic alteration ofalgal biomass. Where the genetic engineering and mutations on algae can be advantageously utilized for the enhancement of removal efficiency without any secondary toxicity.

Automated summary

Water is essential for all sectors, with agriculture accounting for 70% of its use globally. Human activities from various industries have led to the release of contaminants into water systems, causing harm to the ecosystem and organisms. Algae-based methods, including biosorption, bioaccumulation, biotransformation, and biodegradation, show potential in efficiently removing organic pollutants. This paper provides detailed information on these processes, along with the genetic alteration of algal biomass, highlighting the advantages of genetic engineering and mutations for enhanced removal efficiency without secondary toxicity.