Macro and Micro Algae in Pollution Control and Biofuel Production – A Review

Microalgae are biological sources with an extensive range of biotechnological applications, e.g., for bioremediation of industrial and municipal wastes. Microalgae are used to monitor environmental toxicants like pesticides, heavy metals, and pharmaceuticals and in the final stage of wastewater treatment when organic pollution should be removed. CO2 capturing is also important due to the environmental issues. Macro/microalgae cultures, depending on their growth stages and life cycles, have great potential for CO2 fixation. They are a dominant group of microorganisms for biological treatments with regards to their substantial biosorption ability to deactivate toxic heavy metals. Actual carbon biofixation can be employed in the direction of environmental sustainability and economic facility. Besides, algae are sustainable feedstock to produce a wide range of biofuels by applying thermochemical or biological conversion methods. Use of biofuels and reduction of fossil fuel consumption are considered very effective to decrease the greenhouse effect. Algae have been a well‐known source of biofuel production. They can also support the environment by CO2 bio‐fixation and heavy metal biosorption. However, there is no consensus yet about the industrial cultivation. This review investigates the different aspects of algae cultivation to reduce environmental pollution and for biofuel production potential during its life cycle.