http://orcid.org/0000-0002-4760-8203![Sample our Engineering & Technology journals, sign in here to start your access, latest two full volumes FREE to you for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5933/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Engineering-Tech.jpg"})
Abstract
Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) are biopolymers secreted by microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and algae that may play a significant role in the speciation, toxicity, and biogeochemical cycles of metal(loid)s. In this review, we described the current understanding of the composition and physicochemical properties of microalgal EPS, summarized their roles in the sequestration and transformation of metal(loid)s, and examined the factors that could influence EPS–metal(loid) interactions. Applications of microalgal EPS to the remediation of metal(loid) polluted environments were demonstrated. Future research topics, in particular the mechanisms of EPS and metal(loid) interactions, were also discussed.
Additional information
Funding
Financial support from National Natural Science Foundation of China (31770548), National Key Research and Development Program of China (2016YFD0800306, 2017YFD0800305) and Jiangsu Provincial Undergraduate Entrepreneur Training Program (201710307005T) are deeply appreciated.