Chlorophycean Micro Alga as a Potential Bioremediant: An Investigative Study Using Carbendazima Group C Carcinogenic Fungicide

Abstract

Agro-pollution caused by persistent pesticides is an increasing environmental concern. The misuse of pesticides resulting in reduced clearance has prompted an urgent need for developing removal methods. In this regard, biosorption using algae is an attractive option. Algal biomass has been an effective demonstrator of heavy metal bioremediation. Carbendazim is a systemic pesticide used in controlling plant diseases. It has been reported to show nematicide effects making it severely toxic to earthworms. It is a classified Group C Human Carcinogen because it causes chromosomal loss and non-disjunction in mammalian reproductive cells. This investigation estimates the biosorption efficiency of lyophilised chlorophycean Chlorella thermophila (Accession number: MN006612) biomass on carbendazim. Bio-adsorption has shown to increase with pH, showing maximum adsorption at pH 10.