Chlorella Species as Eco-friendly Agents for Textile Wastewater Cleanup

Abstract

Microalgal species have been widely utilized for treating industrial and municipal wastewater through complete removal or reduction of the toxicity of various pollutants before they are discharged into the environment. Their application is favoured due to their cost-effectiveness, availability and efficiency. This paper provides a review of microalgal species belonging to the genus Chlorella, that have demonstrated some potentials in eliminating toxic contaminants contained in textile wastewater as documented in scientific literature. The Chlorella species commonly employed in wastewater treatment include Chlorella vulgaris, C. pyrenoidosa, C. sorokiniana, C. kessleri, C. minutissima, C. protothecoides and C. ellipsoidea. These microalgae remove or reduce pollutants through mechanisms such as electrostatic attraction to cell surfaces or enzymatic action. Additionally, they have been reported to absorb heavy metals, dyes and other harmful substances like nitrates, phosphates and ammonium in wastewater, lowering its toxicity and making it safer for environmental discharge.