Utilizing wastewater and flue gas for enhancing biomass and high-value products from microalgae

• Published in: Phytochemistry reviews Vol. 22; no. 4; pp. 861 - 877
• Main Authors: Joun, Jaemin, Sirohi, Ranjna, Yu, Byung Sun, Yang, Ha Eun, Sim, Sang Jun
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Springer Netherlands 01.08.2023; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Algae; Aquatic microorganisms; Biochemistry; Biological activity; Biological treatment; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Carbon; Carbon dioxide; Carbon footprint; Carbon sequestration; Carbon sources; Chemistry/Food Science; Climate change; Cultivation; Emissions; Energy consumption; Flue gas; Fossil fuels; Global warming; Greenhouse effect; Greenhouse gases; Life Sciences; Microalgae; Nitrogen; Nutrients; Organic carbon; Organic Chemistry; Organic phosphorus; Phosphorus; Plant Genetics and Genomics; Plant Sciences; Sewage; Sustainability; Technology; Wastewater; Wastewater treatment; Microalgae; Biomass; Wastewater; Mixotrophy; Industrial flue gas; High-value products
• ISSN: 1568-7767; 1572-980X
• DOI: 10.1007/s11101-023-09876-x

Microalgae cultivation using wastewater has been conducted to treat wastewater and lower carbon footprints. Wastewater can contribute to microalgae culture by supplying nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and organic carbon sources. Meanwhile, greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel consumption are also increasing rapidly, and global warming is intensifying. To overcome this phenomenon, Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage technology, a highly efficient greenhouse gas treatment technology that can capture and separate CO 2 , has been developed and comprehensively discussed in this review. As a technology for capturing carbon, microalgae are cultured by supplying high concentrations of CO 2 using industrial flue gas. In addition, microalgae are used for removing organic substances, phosphorus, and nitrogen in wastewater. Through such biological treatment processes, it is possible to simultaneously reduce CO 2 , remove biocontaminants, and produce high-value-added substances. Recently, research has been conducted on promoting microalgae growth by supplying wastewater and flue gas by enabling mixotrophic cultivation of microalgae. The review finally provides that sewage and industrial flue gas have the potential to improve the productivity of microalgae, reduce cost, and encourage environmental sustainability. Graphical abstract