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Cited by 86Algal biology and biofuel productionAdsorption and biosorption for pollutant removalEnvironmental and Analytical Chemistry Studies

The DOI matches its Crossref record; 264 of the 264 references it cites were found in a registry or an index.

Microalgae-based bioremediation of refractory pollutants: an approach towards environmental sustainability

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El-Sheekh, Mostafa M., El-Kassas, Hala Y., Ali, Sameh S.·2025·Microbial Cell Factories
DOI 10.1186/s12934-024-02638-0PMC PMC11734528
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Abstract

Abstract Extensive anthropogenic activity has led to the accumulation of organic and inorganic contaminants in diverse ecosystems, which presents significant challenges for the environment and its inhabitants. Utilizing microalgae as a bioremediation tool can present a potential solution to these challenges. Microalgae have gained significant attention as a promising biotechnological solution for detoxifying environmental pollutants. This is due to their advantages, such as rapid growth rate, cost-effectiveness, high oil-rich biomass production, and ease of implementation. Moreover, microalgae-based remediation is more environmentally sustainable for not generating additional waste sludge, capturing atmospheric CO 2 , and being efficient for nutrient recycling and sustainable algal biomass production for biofuels and high-value-added products generation. Hence, microalgae can achieve sustainability's three main pillars (environmental, economic, and social). Microalgal biomass can mediate contaminated wastewater effectively through accumulation, adsorption, and metabolism. These mechanisms enable the microalgae to reduce the concentration of heavy metals and organic contaminants to levels that are considered non-toxic. However, several factors, such as microalgal strain, cultivation technique, and the type of pollutants, limit the understanding of the microalgal removal mechanism and efficiency. Furthermore, adopting novel technological advancements (e.g., nanotechnology) may serve as a viable approach to address the challenge of refractory pollutants and bioremediation process sustainability. Therefore, this review discusses the mechanism and the ability of different microalgal species to mitigate persistent refractory pollutants, such as industrial effluents, dyes, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals. Also, this review paper provided insight into the production of nanomaterials, nanoparticles, and nanoparticle-based biosensors from microalgae and the immobilization of microalgae on nanomaterials to enhance bioremediation process efficiency. This review may open a new avenue for future advancing research regarding a sustainable biodegradation process of refractory pollutants.

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Crossref · 10.1186/s12934-024-02638-0

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Figures

Fig. 1 Schematic diagram of wastewater treatment for contaminants removal and high value-added product generation by microalgae
Fig. 1 Schematic diagram of wastewater treatment for contaminants removal and high value-added product generation by microalgaeCC BY · PubMed Central
Fig. 2 Different types of microalgal cultivation systems
Fig. 2 Different types of microalgal cultivation systemsCC BY · PubMed Central
Fig. 3 Nitrogen removal during the wastewater treatment by microalgae
Fig. 3 Nitrogen removal during the wastewater treatment by microalgaeCC BY · PubMed Central
Fig. 4 Phosphorous removal during wastewater treatment by microalgae
Fig. 4 Phosphorous removal during wastewater treatment by microalgaeCC BY · PubMed Central
Fig. 5 Microalgal cultivation and biomass harvesting for biorefinery applications
Fig. 5 Microalgal cultivation and biomass harvesting for biorefinery applicationsCC BY · PubMed Central
Fig. 6 The major supercomplexes schematic diagram of microalgal metabolism for sugar biosynthesis
Fig. 6 The major supercomplexes schematic diagram of microalgal metabolism for sugar biosynthesisCC BY · PubMed Central
Fig. 7 Various applications of nanoparticles
Fig. 7 Various applications of nanoparticlesCC BY · PubMed Central

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Citations

Cites

Research works printed but not linked: 12

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Metadata

Authors
El-Sheekh, M. M., El-Kassas, H. Y., & Ali, S. S.
Affiliations
  • Tanta University (EG)
  • National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries (EG)
Corresponding author
El-Sheekh, Mostafa M.
ORCID
Venue
Microbial Cell Factories
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Published
2025-01-14
Volume
24
Issue
1
Pages
19-19
ISSN
1475-2859 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1186/s12934-024-02638-0
PMC
PMC11734528
OpenAlex
W4406362337
Cited by
86
References
263
Citations by year
2026: 49 · 2025: 37
FWCI
3.94
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Microbial Cell Factories (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
Funders
Tanta University
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Energy › Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment › Algal biology and biofuel production
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Water Science and Technology › Adsorption and biosorption for pollutant removal
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Water Science and Technology › Environmental and Analytical Chemistry Studies
Keywords
microalgae, bioremediation, recalcitrant pollutants, heavy metals, organic pollutants, dye removal, pesticide removal, pharmaceutical pollutants, industrial wastewater, microalgal biomass, nanomaterials, nanoparticle biosensors, microalgae immobilization, wastewater treatment, CO2 capture, biofuels, nanotechnology
MeSH terms
Biodegradation, Environmental, Environmental Pollutants, Biomass, Metals, Heavy, Microalgae

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