Resource recovery from industrial effluents through the cultivation of microalgae: A review

Abstract: 

Industrial effluents such as pharmaceutical residues, pesticides, dyes, and metal processes holds abundant valueadded products (VAPs), where its recovery has become essential. The purpose of such recovery is for sustainable treatment, which is an approach that considers the economic, social, and environmental aspects. Microalgae with its potential in the recovery process from effluents, can reduce energy usage of waste management strategies and regenerate nutrients such as carbon, phosphorus, and nitrogen. Microalgae cultures offer the use of inorganic materials by microalgae for their growth and the help of bacteria to produce biomass, thus, resulting in the absence of secondary emissions due to its ability to eliminate volatile organic compounds. Moreover, recovered bioactive compounds are transformed into bioethanol, bio-fertilizers, biopolymer, health supplements and animal feed. Therefore, it is significant to focus on an economical and efficient utilization of microalgae in recovering nutrients that can be further used in various commercial applications. 

Author(s): 
Shazia Ali
Angela Paul Peter
Kit Wayne Chew
Heli Siti Halimatul Munawaroh
Pau Loke Show
Keywords: 
Industrial
Biofuel
Biomass
Environmental
Microalgae
Article Source: 
Bioresour Technol . 2021 Oct;337:125461
Category: 
Basic Biology
Ecological Services
Uses of Seaweeds: Fuel or Energy