The Application of the Algal Approach in the Technological, Socioeconomic, and Wastewater Treatment Domains

The use of algae as a natural and sustainable method for treating wastewater has attracted considerable attention in recent years because of its potential to minimize the environmental impact of conventional wastewater treatment procedures. The chapter overviews the most cutting-edge algal-based wastewater treatment technologies currently available, including open pond systems, photobioreactors, and hybrid systems. This can potentially provide sustainable solutions for water pollution control while creating new revenue streams. Additionally, it covers the benefit and drawbacks of each technology as well as its economic viability. The chapter emphasizes the significance of considering socioeconomic factors when putting algal-based wastewater treatment systems into place. These elements include stakeholder participation, public perception, and community acceptance. Furthermore, this chapter covers the possibility of using algae-based wastewater treatment to provide new revenue opportunities by producing added-value biofuels, bioplastics, and other products. In addition, we carried out a bibliometric analysis with a particular emphasis on applying algal technologies in wastewater treatment. It seeks to pinpoint gaps, trends, and patterns in the literature on this issue. An additional study is necessary for the optimal use of these technologies and to guarantee their long-term survival in various socio-economic factors.