Phyconanoremediation: a sustainable approach to deal with environmental pollutants heavy metals and dyes

Abstract

Environmental pollutants have been increasingly detected and quantified in each sphere-air, water and soil, and hence there are growing concerns about their potentially harmful effects on the biosphere. Heavy metals and dyes are of prime concern owing to their large-scale anthropogenic consumption, and emission, either untreated or improperly, into the open environment. Recently, nanomaterials have been explored for their potential against environmental pollution and have been proved to be effective against a wide range of dyes and heavy metals. But their traditional method of synthesis isn’t economic, energy-efficient, and ecofriendly. In this direction, Phyconanoremediation is a recent approach that is green and sustainable. It provides remediation of pollutants using novel nanomaterials synthesised using algal biomass. This review aims to present an account of the application of algae in nanomaterials synthesis followed by their application in the remediation of heavy metals and dyes. It commences with an introduction to environmental pollution, associated public health risks, and remediation strategies. Synthesis mechanism of nanoparticles and their characterisation methods followed by role of algal bioactive compounds in nanomaterials synthesis as reducing, capping or stabilising agent has been discussed. The article concludes by highlighting outlook and importance of this interesting field for environmental remediation.