Marine Algal Species as Biosorbents for Sequestering Toxic Heavy Metals: A Review

Author: Waghmode A.V., Shinde H.P., Patil M.S. and Chavan S.N.

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Abstract

Seaweed biomass; especially marine macro algae have been studied for their potential to remove the heavy metals from aqueous solution which attributed their use in environmental cleanup. The prevalent remediation procedures include oxidation/reduction, chemical precipitation, ion exchange, reverse osmosis etc. However, researchers and environmental engineers are hoping this phenomenon will provide an economical alternative to get rid of toxic heavy metals from industrialized wastewater so as to aid in environmental remediation. The point sources of toxic heavy metals are industrial effluents coming from various industries like leather, paper, dairy, tannery, electrical, sugarcane, automobiles, mining etc. Such toxic heavy metals can be removed by using biosorption techniques with the help of seaweeds; mostly macro algal species; as these are abundantly found growing on the areas like rocky coast. This attribute of being used as biosorbents make them cost effective and ecofriendly alternative for conventionally used costly techniques. Earlier research reports have contributed in reviewing the utilization of major marine macro algal species for detoxification of polluted water bodies. Besides the conventional techniques; the present review article highlights the use of marine macro algal species as biosorbents for removal of toxic heavy metals along with the major parameters influencing the process of biosorption.

Keywords

Marine macro algae, biosorption, toxic heavy metals

Conclusion

The biosorption techniques using marine algal species, is an effective tool for removal of toxic heavy metals from the different aqueous solutions and water bodies. Today world is witnessing industrial and biotechnological advancements in bioremediation process; However, numerous challenges still need to addressed; such as release of novel toxic elements, reliable methods to detect, monitoring and eco-friendly approaches for removal of such pollutants etc. In this context, the multidisciplinary research involving all stakeholders and policymakers; is needed in future. At global level; these considerations will be helpful to highlight degradation and or removal of life-threatening heavy metals and other pollutants from environment at a global level.

References

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How to cite this article

Waghmode A.V., Shinde H.P., Patil M.S. and Chavan S.N. (2023). Marine Algal Species as Biosorbents for Sequestering Toxic Heavy Metals: A Review. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(2): 1090-1096.