Abstract

Microalgae-based bioremediation has emerged as an eco-friendly and sustainable solution to address environmental pollution, specifically the contamination of heavy metals and excess nutrients in aquatic ecosystems. This bioremediation process utilizes the natural metabolic abilities of microalgae to absorb, accumulate, and detoxify pollutants, offering a promising alternative to conventional treatment methods. The ability of microalgae to remove toxic metals like cadmium, lead, and mercury, as well as excess nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, has been demonstrated in various studies. Moreover, microalgae bioremediation provides additional benefits such as biomass production, which can be used for biofuels, animal feed, and other value-added products. This review discusses the mechanisms behind microalgae’s pollutant uptake, factors influencing bioremediation efficiency, and potential applications in real-world environmental management.