ABSTRACT
Algae are the autotrophic organisms which include both prokaryotic and eukaryotic forms. Since this group of organisms produce the major share of oxygen, which humans and other organisms breathe, they represent an inevitable group on the Earth. In spite of this major ecological importance of algae, they can be effectively used as the raw materials for various eco-friendly technologies like phytoremediation and biofuel production. Biofuels from algae can be considered as a potential renewable source of energy. They are the best organisms for biodiesel and bioethanol production because of their rapid growth, high biomass production and high lipid and carbohydrate contents. Phytoremediation is an environmentally safe and cost-effective technology. The plants are being used for the removal of environmental pollutants or the detoxification of such pollutants. Nowadays there is an increased interest in using algae for phytoremediation purposes in artificial and natural water bodies. Algae include both fresh water and marine forms, so we can employ algae for cleaning both the fresh water and saline water bodies. Moreover, many algae exhibit high heavy metal accumulation by means of mechanisms like the phytochelatins and metallothioneins production. This present review focuses on the aspects of phytoremediation and biofuel production by algae.
