Eco-friendly biopolymers and biosorbents from algae to combat pollution

Over decades, environmental contaminants have posed a severe concern, contaminating soil and water systems. The primary source of these contaminants is industrial discharge. Biosorption, which employs microorganisms such as bacteria, fungus, algae, and yeasts to remove different pollutants, has been recognized as an alternative eco-friendly green technology. Similarly, in recent decades, the broad range of algal biopolymers has attracted considerable interest. It is a means of reducing the accumulation of plastic waste and mitigating the scourge of environmental contamination. Numerous algae have been studied to determine their efficacy as a biosorbent and biopolymer material. Biosorption is influenced by the cell wall components, cell surface, and spatial organization. Algal cells contain a variety of polysaccharide molecules, including chitin, glycan, cellulose, alginate, and others which have been shown to play an important role in pollutant binding and removal. This chapter outlines natural, biomaterial-based polymers and sorbents derived from algae, their structure, biosynthetic mechanisms, the types of algae strains used, and the biodegradability of the polymers. The findings highlight the importance of accelerating research in this promising area to meet the growing demand for environmentally friendly polymers and increase the benefit of algal biofuels by combining feedstock and high-value products using recycled and industrial effluents of algal biomass. These methods contribute to overall sustainability by minimizing the costs and carbon emissions associated with algae, so as to contribute to the much-touted circular, zero-carbon global economy.