Implications of Diatoms for Heavy Metal Bioremediation

Abstract

Alarming levels of heavy metals are hazardous to the aquatic ecology, resulting in a significant loss of species variety. Pollutant biosorption employing naturally inspired sources such as microalgae provides a number of advantages. Diatoms, a varied species of phytoplankton that makes up approximately 45% of marine primary production, have a remarkable capacity for survival in contaminated aquatic environments. They are important for metal biogeochemistry in settings with fresh and salt water. Chemical pollutants and dangerous metals from contaminated locations are degraded, speciated, and detoxified in large parts. Diatoms have several advantages, including plentiful availability, low cost, high metal removal efficiency, and environmental friendliness. This chapter discusses new developments and methods in diatom-based bioremediation and biosorption of hazardous heavy metals, with the intention of providing relevant information to aid the development of efficient and economically viable heavy metal bioremediation technology by implication of diatoms. © 2025 Scrivener Publishing LLC.