Microalgae to remove pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) from wastewater

Abstract

Substances used for medicinal, cosmetic, hygiene, and health care objectives are included in the category of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs). They are a major source of public concern because of their ubiquitous manufacturing, usage, and careless disposal of expired products into the environment. Many PPCPs, including antibiotics, analgesics, endocrine disruptors, and microbial/disinfecting agents, are commonly detected in freshwater systems, groundwater, and wastewater treatment effluents in amounts ranging from nanograms per liter to milligrams per milliliter. Additionally, these compounds frequently show persistence and accumulate in biological tissue, eventually finding their way into crops, vegetables, and drinking water supplies. Because many PPCPs are known to have the ability to upset ecosystems and/or provide health hazards, they are categorized as “emerging contaminants.” The research on the occurrence, fate, and possible health and environmental hazards related to PPCPs in both aquatic and terrestrial habitats is thoroughly reviewed in this work. It also covers reported cases of danger or health concerns in humans, although a full assessment may not be possible given the limitations of the data at hand. This review aims to provide a comprehensive and well-focused overview of the current understanding of bioremediation strategies for the removal of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), with an emphasis on the application of macroalgae, microalgae, and aquatic macrophytes. It examines the physicochemical properties of PPCPs and their potential risks to environmental and human health. Additionally, the review explores the potential and challenges associated with the broader application of biotechnologies employing algae and aquatic macrophytes. This includes research efforts to correlate the operational parameters of these biotechnologies with the primary mechanisms responsible for PPCP removal. In conclusion, algae and macrophytes present promising, eco-friendly solutions for wastewater treatment, significantly contributing to the mitigation of PPCP contamination.