Microalgae are known to sequester heavy metals (Rai et al.,
1981). Discharge of toxic pollutants to waste water collection
systems has increased concurrently with society’s progressive
industrialization.
Significant concentrations of heavy metals and toxic organic
compounds have been measured in municipal wastewater.
Consequently, the ability of wastewater treatment systems to
tolerate and remove toxicity is of considerable importance.
Microalgae are efficient absorbers of heavy metals. Bioaccumulation
of metals by algae may create a feasible method for
remediating wastewater contaminated with metals (Nakajima
et al.,1981; Darnall et al., 1986). On the other hand advantages
of algae are that it may be grown in ponds with little nutritional
input or maintenance.