Exploiting Microalgae for Efficient Removal of Heavy Metals: An in-silico approach

Articles in Press

Document Type : Review Paper

Authors

1 Sri Padmavati Mahila Visvavidyalayam (Women’s University), Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India.

2 Dept.of CSE School of Engineering and Technology Sri Padmavati Mahila Visva Vidyalayam

3 Muga Eri Silkworm Seed Organization Central Silk Board, Guwahati, Assam 781022

4 Department of Biotechnology, Sri Padmavati Mahila Visvavidyalayam (Women’s University), Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India

5 Department of Biotechnology, Sri Padmavati Mahila Visvavidyalayam (Women’s University), Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India.

6 SBST VIT Vellore

10.22104/aet.2026.7223.1991

Abstract

In recent years, Bioremediation have gained a great deal of attention because of environmental pollutants and its implications on public health and the environmental sustainability. In bioremediation, microalgae play a major role towards environmental and wastewater treatment technique. Among the environmental contaminants, heavy metals are indeed significant pollutants due to their persistence in the environment and their potential to cause harm to ecosystems and human health. Several conventional techniques are available for the removal of heavy metals but they are expensive. Microalgae afford an environmentally friendly approach for the heavy metal remediation process. This review examines the major sources and health effects of heavy metals including chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), Iron (Fe), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), and Copper (Cu) emphasizing microalgae as a potent tool for heavy metal decontamination. The primary analyses was observed on microalgal metallothioneins (MTs) and their potential to improve metal sequestration, supported by computational investigations of metal-MT interactions. The study revealed that metal ions with MT proteins binding energies of MT ranged between -16.67 to –3.24 kcal/mol for P. tenue and –5.90 to –3.21 kcal/mol for C. sorokiniana, –2.86 to –1.41 kcal/mol for S. platensis indicating variable but significant affinity for different metal ions. These results suggest that microalgal MTs play an important role in heavy metal uptake and can be further enhanced using computational and biotechnological techniques. Based on the evidence reviewed, microalgae-based bioremediation systems with MT-enhanced strains are recommended as a potential and long-term solution for heavy-metal removal.

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Advances in Environmental Technology

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 20 February 2026

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History

  • Receive Date: 16 November 2024
  • Revise Date: 11 February 2026
  • Accept Date: 20 February 2026

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