Research Group of Algal and Microbial Biotechnology has long focused on the use of microalgae and cyanobacteria in environmental applications, including water treatment and nutrient recycling. In a newly published study, a team led by Dr. Irena Brányiková investigated the potential of the filamentous cyanobacterium Tolypothrix tenuis as a biological tool for removing phosphorus from eutrophic waters.
Excessive phosphorus levels in aquatic ecosystems are one of the main drivers of eutrophication – a process that leads to cyanobacterial blooms, deterioration of water quality, and threats to aquatic organisms and entire ecosystems. Developing effective yet environmentally friendly methods for phosphorus removal, therefore, remains a key challenge in current environmental research. The study, published in the journal Algal Research, demonstrated that Tolypothrix tenuis can efficiently remove bioavailable phosphorus from water while simultaneously storing it within its biomass. This process is based on the phenomenon known as “luxury phosphorus uptake,” in which cells accumulate phosphorus in amounts exceeding their immediate needs for growth. An important finding of the study is that phosphorus uptake and biomass growth are not always directly coupled, allowing the organism to respond flexibly to environmental conditions and optimize nutrient utilization.
The results confirm that Tolypothrix tenuis represents a promising tool for sustainable water bioremediation and opens new possibilities for designing technological solutions that combine high efficiency with environmental sustainability. In addition to water treatment, this approach offers another important benefit: the resulting phosphorus-rich biomass can be further utilized, for example, as a fertilizer. A follow-up study focusing on this aspect is currently underway.
- Čížková S., Jedlička M., Mušálková P., Muzika F., Rohovec J., Brányiková I.: Phosphorus uptake and growth of Tolypothrix tenuis: A potential bioremediation agent for eutrophic waters. Algal Res. 2026, 104646. doi.org/10.1016/j.algal.2026.104646