Phycoremediation potential of Microcystis aeruginosa and Auxenochlorella pyrenoidosa for salinity reduction: mechanisms and isotherm modeling

Key Points

• This research aims to explore the salinity reduction capabilities of two algae species.
• Examined the salt removal capacity of Microcystis aeruginosa and Auxenochlorella pyrenoidosa
• Analyzed the mechanisms involved in salt removal, focusing on surface interactions and intracellular retention
• Modeled the salinity reduction using isotherm approaches.
• Both algae demonstrated concentration-dependent salt removal efficiency.
• Mechanisms involved included surface-level interactions and biomass-associated ion retention.
• These findings highlight the potential of algae as sustainable alternatives to conventional desalination methods.