ABSTRACT
The release of wastewater containing heavy metals from various industries into the ecosystem is a serious concern. Heavy metals are highly toxic, enter the human body through the food chain, and cause detrimental diseases. As per environmental laws, heavy metals in the waste stream should be below the permissible limits. Therefore, it is imperative for the well-being of the society to develop eco-friendly, renewable, and cost-effective remediation technologies. In this context, algae-based bioremediation technique is gaining importance. Live algal cells as well as the dried biomass can be effectively used as bio-removal agents. Apart from treating the wastewater, metal can be recovered, and algae can be recycled as a greener approach. In this chapter, the potential of algal bioremediation technologies for treating key heavy metal-containing solutions has been discussed. The emphasis has been given on wastewater specifically from the tannery, textile, electroplating, and petrochemical industries along with ideal cultivation systems, recovery, and recycling strategies.
