Impact of Metallic Nanoparticles on the Nutritional Values of Spirulina

Spirulina has high nutritional values and anti-oxidative properties. It is a staple diet due to its easy cultivation and greater nutritional values in biological macromolecules (proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates), pigments (chlorophyll, carotenoids, phycobiliproteins) vitamins, minerals, phenolic compounds, and amino acids. Spirulina also has been used as a nutraceutical to treat numerous diseases and disorders due to its promising therapeutic values. However, extensive anthropogenic activities cause the discharge of metals and metallic nanoparticles into the environment that might cause toxicity to marine and freshwater microalgae due to bioaccumulation. The presence of metals in the environment beyond the normal range does not only affect the growth but also the nutritional values of microalgae. The nutritional properties and usage of Spirulina along with the harmful effects of metals and metallic nanoparticles on Spirulina are highlighted and summarized in this paper.