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Comparison of Scale in a Photosynthetic Reactor System for Algal Remediation of Wastewater
Published on: March 6, 2017
Insight into recent advances in microalgae biogranulation in wastewater treatment
Syahirah Faraheen Kabir Ahmad1, Gobi Kanadasan2, Keat Teong Lee1
1School of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Nibong Tebal, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.
Microalgae biogranulation technology enhances wastewater treatment by improving microalgae separation. Research focuses on microalgae-bacterial granules, but pure microalgae granules offer broader applications.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Microalgae-based wastewater treatment faces challenges with microalgae separation due to low density.
- Biogranulation technology offers a potential solution for improved microalgae harvesting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current status of microalgae biogranulation technology for wastewater treatment and resource recovery.
- To identify research gaps and future directions in microalgae granulation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of microalgae biogranulation technologies.
- Analysis of research trends focusing on microalgae-bacterial granules and extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs).
Main Results:
- Current research predominantly focuses on microalgae-bacterial granules for wastewater treatment.
- Limited studies investigate optimizing conditions for EPS secretion to enhance granule settling.
- Understanding EPS roles and microalgae interactions in granulation is scarce.
Conclusions:
- Microalgae biogranulation, particularly with EPS optimization, can improve settling and cost-effectiveness.
- Cultivating microalgae granules without bacteria presents greater potential for diverse applications beyond wastewater treatment.
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