Diversity and resilience of algae in phycoremediation of carbon, nitrogen, and other pollutants from inland and wastewaters

Domestic, industrial, and agricultural wastewater contains higher concentration of pollutants, including carbon and nitrogen nutrients, heavy metals, and harmful chemicals, which significantly impact human health and the ecosystem. In this scenario, phycoremediation is an eco-friendly and economically viable technique that harnesses the diversity of algae to eliminate elevated carbon and nitrogen elements, as well as other contaminants in aquatic systems. Therefore, this review critically examines recent advancements in the utilization of algae for inland water and wastewater treatment applications, with a focus on carbon and nitrogen removal. Furthermore, this study examines the optimization of pollutant removal using different algae, algal consortium, and bacterial consortia for sustainable water management. Additionally, it highlights the feasibility of algae-based treatment, which enhances water quality while potentially producing biomass for biofuels and various high-value products. The challenges, recommendations, and future directions presented in this review can lay a roadmap for effectively selecting a resilient algal strain for phycoremediation of wastewater, thereby promoting environmental sustainability.