Phycoremediation: An Eco-Solution to Environmental Protection and Sustainable Remediation

Abstract

Phycoremediation involves the remediation of contaminants in a water body using algae (micro and macro). Algae fix carbon-dioxide by photosynthesis and remove excess nutrients effectively at minimal cost. It removes pathogens and toxic materials from waste water. Xenobiotics, chemicals and heavy metals are known to be detoxified, transform, accumulated or volatilized by algal metabolism. It offers advantage over conventional methods of remediation by its effectiveness, efficiency and eco-friendly nature. Commercially, it involves design and construction of Waste Stabilization Pond System (WSPs) and High Rate Algal Ponds (HRAP) with difference in that WSPs are unmixed or involves a little mixing, so can experience stratification, but the HRAPs involves process of mixing using paddle wheel. There are industries that are commercially involved in phycoremediation and they experience cost reduction and maximization of profit compared to the convectional system of remediation.