Efficacious bioremediation of heavy metals and radionuclides from wastewater employing aquatic macro‐ and microphytes

Abstract

Cytotoxic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic contaminants, such as heavy metals and radionuclides, have become an alarming environmental concern globally, especially for developed and developing nations. Moreover, inefficient prevalent wastewater treatment technologies combined with increased industrial activity and modernization has led to increase in the concentration of toxic metals and radioactive components in the natural water bodies. However, for the improvement of ecosystem of rivers, lakes, and other water sources different physicochemical methods such as membrane filtration, reverse osmosis, activated carbon adsorption, electrocoagulation, and other electrochemical treatment are employed, which are uneconomical and insufficient for the complete abatement of these emerging pollutants. Therefore, the application of bioremediation employing aquatic macrophytes and microphytes have gained considerable importance owing to the benefits of cost-effectiveness, eco-friendly, and higher energy efficiency. Thus, the present review aims to enlighten the readers on the potential application of algae, cyanobacteria, plant, and other aquatic micro-and macrophytes for the elimination of carcinogenic metals and radioactive isotopes from wastewater. Additionally, the use of transgenic plants, genetically modified species, algal-bacterial symbiosis for the enhancement of removal efficiency of mutagenic contaminants are also highlighted. Furthermore, species selection based on robustness, mechanism of different pathways for heavy metal and radionuclide detoxification are elucidated in this review article.

Performance evaluation of Tagetes erecta plant microbial fuel cell using the composite ceramic anode of rice‐husk, mild‐steel dust, and soil

“…Compared to traditional MFCs, the activity of PMFCs and organic plants does not involve the use of toxic, harmful, or sensible chemicals especially during in situ operations. Because PMFC materials such as membranes, electrodes, and bioreactor are absorbed and cannot decompose, they can be reused after hot exposure, microwave treatment, and acid-base treatment [6][7][8][9][10]. Electric circuits, perishable support matrix, and living plants, on the other hand, can be quickly replaced, dried, and disposed.…”

“…Further, Das et al. [6] highlighted the potential application of PMFC for the elimination of carcinogenic metals and radioactive isotopes from wastewater.…”

“…In this process, food is not used by the plants and is extracted from the ground root. Near the roots of the plants, microscopic organisms degrade these lowdensity cell compounds and subsequently emit protons, electrons, and carbon dioxide [6][7][8][9]. By placing two electrodes, bioelectricity can be harnessed.…”

“…In addition to this, there are significant benefits of PMFC as it can be combined with agricultural production without disturbing food production. Further, Das et al [6] highlighted the potential application of PMFC for the elimination of carcinogenic metals and radioactive isotopes from wastewater.…”

A Review on the Reliability and the Readiness Level of Microalgae-Based Nutrient Recovery Technologies for Secondary Treated Effluent in Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants

“…That is why the algae-based wastewater treatment technologies are studied for their use for various purposes, such as nutrient removal of phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N), organic matter degradation, pathogenic microorganism elimination (disinfection), micropollutants and heavy metals reduction, etc. [8][9][10][11][12]. Most algae wastewater treatment systems use only microphytes (also known as microalgae) with typical cell sizes below 30 µm in contemporary reactor designs [13,14].…”