Microalgal Treatment of Wastewater and Production of Value-Added Products

Wastewater treatment in the twenty-first century needs to drastically change from its current practices due to the global energy crisis and the need for sustainable human activities. These must work toward creating a new wave of resource recovery and energy-efficient operations while adhering to the increasingly stringent environmental standards. Microalgae can treat wastewater as a growth medium while supplying a renewable biomass feedstock for biofuel generation, making them a desirable treatment alternative. The toxic contaminants in highly polluted organic wastewater like organic phosphorus, nitrogen, and salt, have been known to be resistant to microalgae, and they are also very good at absorbing heavy metals and new emerging contaminants. Algae are the variety of photosynthetic organisms known to have significant bioremediation potential as well as industrial uses that can lower the cost of purchasing energy and fuels. Algae are highly sought-after as possible feedstocks for a wide range of uses, such as the production of biofuels, environmental sustainability, and the creation of high-value bioproducts. Widespread attentiveness about the use of microalgae for wastewater treatment has been sparked by the requisite for efficient nutrient recovery, wastewater treatment, biomass reuse, and greenhouse gas reduction. Additionally, bioenergy and high-value bioproducts can be produces from algal biomass. Researchers from all over the world have consider the use of microalgae as biofertilizers, biofuel, medicine (generation of bioactive and therapeutic chemicals) and food additives. Algae commercial use is limited by financial and technological constraints, as well as efficient downstream processes are required to lower production costs. Therefore, using microalgae together for wastewater treatment and biofuel generation could be a lucrative answer to these problems.