This review comprehensively examines the role of microalgae in addressing heavy metal pollution, particularly in wastewater treatment. Microalgae are emerging as a promising bioremediation approach due to their robust metal-binding capabilities through biosorption. The review highlights the versatility of microalgae in purifying wastewater from diverse sources, capitalizing on wastewater as a growth matrix to produce valuable bioproducts, biomaterials, and bioenergy. Microalgae are particularly effective in removing heavy metals from various wastewaters, including industrial, agricultural, and mining discharges. They offer advantages such as energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness, nutrient recycling, minimal sludge formation, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. The review also discusses the application of microalgae in decentralized water treatment systems (DWTSs), which are advantageous in regions with limited infrastructure or financial constraints. Additionally, the review explores the integration of microalgae with bacteria and activated sludge in co-culture systems, which enhances nutrient removal and overall treatment efficacy. The effectiveness of microalgae in heavy metal removal is supported by numerous studies, demonstrating their potential as a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution for water pollution control.This review comprehensively examines the role of microalgae in addressing heavy metal pollution, particularly in wastewater treatment. Microalgae are emerging as a promising bioremediation approach due to their robust metal-binding capabilities through biosorption. The review highlights the versatility of microalgae in purifying wastewater from diverse sources, capitalizing on wastewater as a growth matrix to produce valuable bioproducts, biomaterials, and bioenergy. Microalgae are particularly effective in removing heavy metals from various wastewaters, including industrial, agricultural, and mining discharges. They offer advantages such as energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness, nutrient recycling, minimal sludge formation, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. The review also discusses the application of microalgae in decentralized water treatment systems (DWTSs), which are advantageous in regions with limited infrastructure or financial constraints. Additionally, the review explores the integration of microalgae with bacteria and activated sludge in co-culture systems, which enhances nutrient removal and overall treatment efficacy. The effectiveness of microalgae in heavy metal removal is supported by numerous studies, demonstrating their potential as a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution for water pollution control.