Partitioning and bioaccumulation of metals from oil sands process affected water in indigenous Parachlorella kessleri

► Metal partitioning from oil sands tailings by indigenous Parachlorella kessleri is reported. ► FTIR scan showed presence of functional groups on P. kessleri cell wall. ► These functional groups contribute to extracellular bioaccumulation of metals. ► Yet, intracellular bioaccumulation played the main role in metal removal from TPW.