Environmental study using bioremediation to evaluation of gene expression of algae living in wastewater

Abstract

Various water bodies in many countries, especially developing ones, suffer from the continuous discharge of sewage, which affects water quality and quantity. Therefore, the role of bioremediation using environmentally friendly organisms has become prominent. These organisms play a role in treating and removing pollutants, such as algae, which are known for their ability to remove numerous pollutants, including heavy metals (HMs). However, there are few studies worldwide that address the gene expression of algae. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of two algae species: L. platensis (cyanobacteria) and Spirogyra sp. (green algae) in removing heavy metals from wastewater. The results showed that the lowest mercury levels were recorded before and after biological treatment, while the highest iron levels were recorded in L. platensis. Similarly, the lowest mercury levels before and after treatment were recorded in Spirogyra sp., along with the highest iron levels. This study also revealed that the expression of the abc transporter gene in L. platensis was more efficient at removing heavy metals compared to the sod gene in Spirogyra sp.