Cyanoremediation: An Overview

Heavy metal and organic compound pollution caused by global industrialization has significant and potentially deadly consequences for both humans and the environment. This is a widespread issue that has become a significant environmental concern due to worldwide industrialization. Various strategies have been used to rehabilitate various metal and organic compound-contaminated areas using chemical-based, physicochemical, or biological techniques. Another method of remediation is bioremediation, in which a biological system is used to remove such hazardous chemicals. This approach is a smart substitutional method compared to other conventional chemical and physicochemical methods due to some of their limitations. Today, cyanoremediation, which uses cyanobacteria, a new affordable and sustainable technology, is an emerging approach that intends to remove these pollutants from soil, water, and the atmosphere that affect the nearby ecosystems. Hence, this chapter provides a concise overview of potential cyanobacterial strains and the approach known as “cyanoremediation” for the removal and uptake of toxic heavy metals and chemical compounds. In addition, bioaccumulation and biosorption, as well as their mechanisms, are discussed. The factors influencing such technologies are also covered briefly in this chapter.