Algae-based approaches for Holistic wastewater management: A low-cost paradigm

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Biotechnology
• Sustainable Chemistry

Background:

• Algal communities offer diverse industrial applications due to availability, cost-effectiveness, and valuable molecule biosynthesis.
• Algal biomass is a sustainable resource, multiplying in water and on land, supporting UN Sustainable Development Goals.
• Integrated algal systems excel in wastewater treatment, utilizing nutrients and accumulating pollutants.

Approach:

• This review focuses on wastewater management strategies employing various algal species.
• The design and optimization of algal bioreactors for efficient wastewater treatment are discussed.
• Emphasis is placed on developing integrated bio-refinery processes for a zero-waste circular bio-economy.

Key Points:

• Algae's ability to sequester phosphorus, nitrogen, heavy metals, and toxins makes them ideal for wastewater remediation.
• Algal biomass contributes to climate change mitigation by reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
• Algae serve as a feedstock for biofuels, promoting renewable energy sources.

Conclusions:

• Algal-based biorefineries offer a commercially and ecologically viable pathway toward a circular bio-economy.
• Optimized algal bioreactors are crucial for effective and sustainable wastewater treatment.
• Harnessing algal potential aligns with global sustainability goals for aquaculture, climate action, and resource management.