Microalgae cultivation for treating agricultural effluent and producing value-added products

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Biotechnology
• Agricultural Engineering

Background:

• Agricultural wastewater presents a significant global challenge, with volumes reaching 600 million m³ yr⁻¹.
• Current treatment methods (aerobic, anaerobic) leave substantial nutrient loads (nitrogen, phosphorus) in effluents.
• Valorization of microalgae biomass into high-value products is hindered by costly dewatering and extraction processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the feasibility of cultivating microalgae in agricultural effluents.
• To assess microalgae's nutrient removal capabilities (nitrogen and phosphorus).
• To evaluate the market potential and biochemical composition of microalgae grown on wastewater.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on microalgae cultivation in agricultural effluents.
• Analysis of nutrient removal efficiencies (nitrogen, phosphorus).
• Assessment of biochemical profiles (protein, carbohydrate, lipid, pigment) and market value of microalgae biomass.
• Techno-economic analysis of upstream and downstream processing costs.

Main Results:

• Microalgae cultivation in agricultural effluents is a viable technology for nutrient remediation.
• Wastewater-grown microalgae exhibit valuable biochemical profiles suitable for various applications.
• Economic potential exists, but cost-effective processing pathways require further optimization.

Conclusions:

• Cultivating microalgae in agricultural wastewater is a promising dual-purpose technology for water treatment and bioproduct generation.
• Further research into optimized processing is crucial for economic viability and widespread adoption.
• This approach contributes to a circular economy model in agriculture.