Review on Toxicity and Removal of Pharmaceutical Pollutants Using Immobilised Microalgae

In recent years, global pharmaceutical consumption has increased, resulting in the increased release into the environment and endangering the entire ecosystem. These pharmaceuticals have attracted considerable attention due to their persistence, toxicity, and the appearance of resistance genes and development antibiotic-resistance bacteria. Furthermore, conventional wastewater treatment plants are ineffective in treating antibiotic-contaminated wastewater. Thus, algae-based technologies are sustainable, low-cost, and friendly to the environment. In this context, immobilization appears to be of particular interest to many researchers as they develop new, efficient, greener strategies for the elimination of toxic and hazardous pollutants. provide a critical overview of algal immobilization-based technologies, and a biotechnological tool that restricts cell movement by confining it within a polymer matrix or attaching it to a rigid support is a promising, and cost-effective alternative that does not necessitate the use of additional chemicals. This paper presents strategies for the systematic removal of pharmaceuticals based on algae immobilization techniques as an economical, effective, and feasible alternative technology for removing pharmaceuticals and environmental concerns from water bodies and discusses the benefits and drawbacks of these techniques.