ABSTRACT
Phyco-remediation is the use of algae (such as cyanobacteria, microalgae, and macroalgae) in industrial processes to remove pollutants from wastewater. Phyco-remediation is a fascinating stage in wastewater treatment since it provides tertiary biotreatment while also creating potentially valuable biomass that may be used for a variety of purposes. Likewise, phyco-remediation allows heavy metals and hazardous organic compounds to be removed without causing secondary pollution. This integration can provide an environmentally acceptable and economically viable method for long-term algal biomass production since huge amounts of water and nutrients can be recycled for algae growth in wastewater-based algal cultivation systems. Cultivation of algae in wastewater works on the concept of circular bioeconomy, thus contributing to sustainability. Algae are utilized as a food supply, energy source, stabilizer, compost, and wastewater treatment, as well as for reducing CO2 emissions in power plants. Algae provide several advantages over more expensive standard treatment methods. Traditional treatment consumes a lot of resources and produces a lot of harmful waste. The current chapter provides an overview of algae and their uses in wastewater treatment. In this chapter, the role of algae in wastewater treatment has been explained. Furthermore, emphasis has been placed on the importance of algae and its uses in the removal of various pollutants from the environment.
