Algal-Based Remediation of Synthetic Dyes: A Mini Review

A wide variety of algal species have been employed in the breakdown and removal of synthetic dyes from the environment. This paper reviews the various algal species having the potential to remediate synthetic dyes based on published literature. Algae mostly employ the following processes, bioaccumulation, biodegradation, biosorption and photodegradation for dye removal. The notable species of algae that have been employed in the remediation of dyes are Ulva lactuca, Gracilaria, Sargassum, Laminaria, Fucus vesiculosus (macroalgae), Chlorella vulgaris and Spirogyra (microalgae). These species aid in the regulation of contamination in the environment through accumulating and metabolizing the dyes into less harmful substances.