Ulva lactuca: A bioindicator for anthropogenic contamination and its environmental remediation capacity

Abstract

Coastal regions are subjected to degradation due to anthropogenic pollution. Effluentsloaded with variable concentrations of heavy metal, persistent organic pollutant, as wellas nutrients are discharged in coastal areas leading to environmental degradation. Inthe past years, many scientists have studied, not only the effect of differentcontaminants on coastal ecosystems but also, they have searched for organismstolerant to pollutants that can be used as bioindicators or for biomonitoring purposes.Furthermore, many researchers have demonstrated the capacity of different marineorganisms to remove heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants, as well as toreduce nutrient concentration, which may lead to eutrophication. In this sense, Ulvalactuca, a green macroalgae commonly found worldwide, has been extensivelystudied for its capacity to accumulate pollutants; as a bioindicator; as well as for itsremediation capacity. This paper aims to review the information published regardingthe use of Ulva lactuca in environmental applications. The review was focused onthose studies that analyse the role of this macroalga as a biomonitor or inbioremediation experiments.