A sustainable microalgae-mediated molybdenum(V) bioremediation: Effective removal and biofuel production potential.

• Microalgae are emerging as sustainable bioremediation platforms for Mo(V) removal. • The removal efficiency was determined at 41 % of 200 mg L⁻¹ initial Mo(V) conc. • The optimal Mo(V) removal rate was 82.78 mg L⁻¹ at pH 3 and 35 °C. • The maximum biomass and lipid yield of C. sorokiniana SU1 were 2.35 and 0.71 gL⁻¹. With growing global pollution concerns, the environmental hazards posed by molybdenum (Ⅴ) discharge >10 ppm, especially from steel and semiconductor industries have escalated environmental risks. Unfortunately, sustainable methods for Mo(V) removal are limited. This study presents an environmentally friendly solution utilizing microalgae for effective Mo(V) treatment. Notably. the generated microalgal biomass serves the dual purpose of addressing molybdenum pollution and contributing to biofuel production, offering economic incentives. Selected microalgae Chlorella sorokiniana SU1 were used for treating Mo(V). The goal is to maximize Mo(V) removal over 18 days, ensuring sufficient biomass and lipid yields. Optimizing pH and temperature, directed by zeta potential analysis, improves Mo(V) removal efficiency. FTIR analysis validates Mo(V) adsorption through the reactive groups on the algal cell wall. Chlorella sorokiniana SU1 is a highly effective agent for Mo(V) removal, achieving an impressive removal rate of 82.78 mgL⁻¹. Additionally, the resultant treatment demonstrates noteworthy microalgal biomass and lipid yields of 2.35 and 0.71 g L⁻¹, respectively. The tactical pH and temperature optimization further augments the molybdenum removal efficiency. This innovative study addresses molybdenum pollution and also gives a sustainable route for biofuel production through generated microalgal biomass, establishing a promising technique for commercial-scale molybdenum bioremediation. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]