Bioprocessing of the Wastewater-Grown Cyanobacterial Biomass to Non-food Bioproducts

Industrial production of bio-commodities through cyanobacteria is an emerging and attractive arena, but economic challenges pose significant constraints to this industry. Alternatively, escalated anthropogenic pollution and the need for a sustainable planet compel waste recycling into ecologically viable products. Wastewater cultivation of cyanobacteria is quintessential for pollutant removal and obtaining carbon-neutral valuable biomass in an environment-friendly manner. Although utilizing wastewater-cultivated biomass has been challenged by social acceptability, their distinctive characteristics intrigued scientists to explore this biomass for non-food products of agricultural and industrial importance. This book chapter is a recent compilation of the wide-scope prospect of wastewater-cultivated cyanobacterial biomass inclusion into the booming market of ecologically viable products. In the agricultural realm, exploration of cyanobacterial biomass as biofertilizer and biostimulant indicated its suitability to regulate aeration that augments soil’s nutrient content and chemical/physical properties, leading to elevated crop productivity. Lipid and carbohydrate extraction and subsequent conversion into bioenergy compounds, biopolymers, and bioflocculant epitomize a promising waste-to-wealth approach for environmental sustainability. However, technological advancements, substantial research and investment are essential to smooth the lab-to-market transition of these products.