The basis of phytoremediation technology for cleaning chemically polluted water was developed in the framework of the presented work. This technology is based on the ability of blue-green alga Arthrospira platensis to eliminate different environmental toxicants from water. This technological approach was conducted for the following pollutants: 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethane (DDT), 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), and cesium ions. The effectiveness of the technology was tested in model experiments, which were carried out in glass containers (volume 40 L). In particular, the different concentrations of alga biomass with the aforementioned pollutants were incubated with permanent illumination conditions and air barbotage, at a temperature of 25 °C. The results of the model experiments showed that after two weeks from the start of remediation Arthrospira effectively cleaned artificially polluted waters. Particularly in the case of TNT 56 mg/L concentration, the effect of water remediation was 97%. In the case of DDT 10 mg/L concentration, the degree of cleaning was 90%. Similar results were obtained in the case of 100 mg/L concentration of cesium ions. Thus, the model experiments confirmed that the alga Arthrospira effectively removed tested pollutants from water. That is the basis of phytoremediation technology.

The aim of presented work is to estimate remediation potential of the blue-green alga Spirulina (Spirulina platensis), in particular, its ability to uptake 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) that is one of the most widely used military high explosive and a dangerous pollutant of the environment. The obtained results show that Spirulina has high ability to adsorb TNT, and the uptake of TNT and/or its metabolites by Spirulina carried out via adsorption on surface of cellular hydrocarbons coat and then by their moving into vacuoles. The model experiments for testing the feasibility of the alga-based approach of phytoremediation technology were performed in reservoir with a volume of 40 L, with permanent air barbotage and illumination, at temperature 25C. The results of experiments indicate that Spirulina uptakes about 87% of toxicant from water polluted with 22.5 ppm TNT during 15 days, and its biomass accumulation decreases only by 38% compared to the reference variant, where the algae was cultivated in an uncontaminated medium. The results of model experiments signify that application of Spirulina Platensis as phytoremediator is an efficient tool for cleaning TNT-polluted water.

The development of methods for soil remediation for removal of chemical contaminants is a large and challenging problem. A new phytoremediation technology, given in the present work, is based on joint application of natural sorbents, microorganisms and plants. The method aims at prevention of chemical contamination of soils. It has the potential to restore a polluted environment and prevent dissemination of toxic compounds from hotbeds of pollution for a considerable length of time. The presented complex biotechnology is important from the viewpoint of prevention. This technology can be applied to soils contaminated with heavy metals, oil hydrocarbons, explosives, pesticides and other pollutants. The main purpose of the carried out work is the development of a novel approach to the provision of ecological safety. The approach is based on using natural minerals composites which are comprised of natural mineral rocks, microorganism strains with high detoxification abilities and plants-phytoremediators. In this composite material, the function of a sorbent is to uptake and to trap pollutants thus restraining their emission in the environment. The role of the microorganisms is to accomplish the first stage of biodegradation of organic contaminants and then to apply phytoremediation as a unique cleanup strategy. Natural sorbent can be applied during the initial stage of cleaning up of contaminated soil, followed by application of a phytoremediation technology through purposeful planting of selected plants. This results in the total assimilation and complete mineralization of pollutants and/or their intermediates or in their partial transformation by microbes.Following contaminants were used in the present work: explosive – 2,4,6 trinitrotoluene (TNT), oil hydrocarbon (hexadecane) and Wax (long chain hydrocarbons). Special attention was paid to enhancement of soil fertility, which improves microorganism and plant growth conditions and is important for bioremediation processes providing total rehabilitation of soil.

The study is devoted to a very urgent and acute problem for Georgia – remediation/restoration of the arsenic (As) mining and storage sites. The approach of a given work is based on using capabilities of nature itself, which has a great adaptive potential to chemical environmental pollution. The aim of the study is to identify the bacterial strains from the endemic soil microbiota, characteristic to a specific localization of arsenic contaminated sites and able to resist to the toxicant. To determine the level of arsenic contamination, soil samples have been analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma - Optical Emission Spectrometry method. The distribution of arsenic in soil samples splits them into categories according to the degree of contamination, ranging from 50 ppm to 13000 ppm. The local bacteria community has been studied using conventional cultivation method along with modern method of bioindication – a biochip. The low density biochip contains the relevant probes for the identification of the bacterial consortium in soil microbiota. Chemical and microbiological analysis was based on the standards and methodologies developed by International Standards Organizations – ISO and Environmental Protection Agency – EPA. It is prospected that bioremediation can become essential part of remediation against arsenic pollution in the context of circular economy.

Objectives The study aimed to investigate heavy metal contamination (copper, arsenic, manganese) in Georgian rivers affected by mining and develop a two-stage water purification technology using Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) and trehalose lipid (TRL). This technology offers a sustainable and efficient solution to mitigate environmental and health hazards from mining-related pollution, improving river ecosystems and public health. Data Description This study examines the current state of the Kvirila, Lukhuni, Kazretula, and Mashavera rivers in terms of heavy metal pollution. Data were collected from field application of a two-stage purification process. Initial assessments showed heavy metal concentrations exceeding local regulatory limits (საქართველოს საკანონმდებლო მაცნე. გარემოსდაცვითი ტექნიკური რეგლამენტების დამტკიცების თაობაზე. Environmental Technical Regulations Approval. www.matsne.gov.ge/en/document/view/2196792?publication=0&scroll=0. Accessed 22 Aug 2024.). The purification process involved a 72-h incubation in a primary tank, followed by membrane filtration and the addition of biomass with trehalose lipid (TRL) in a secondary tank. Post-treatment data revealed significant reductions in manganese and copper concentrations, bringing them below permissible thresholds. These data highlight the effectiveness of the two-stage purification technology in removing heavy metal contaminants from water sources impacted by industrial pollution. The findings demonstrate the potential of this technology to improve sustainable water management practices and provide scalable solutions for communities facing similar water quality challenges.