Biocompounds from wastewater-grown microalgae: a review of emerging cultivation and harvesting technologies

• Published in: The Science of the total environment Vol. 920; p. 170918
• Main Authors: Pereira, Alexia Saleme Aona de Paula, Silva, Thiago Abrantes, Magalhães, Iara Barbosa, Ferreira, Jessica, Braga, Matheus Quintão, Lorentz, Juliana Ferreira, Assemany, Paula Peixoto, Couto, Eduardo de Aguiar do, Calijuri, Maria Lúcia
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 10-04-2024
• Subjects: Biomass production; Cultivation; Harvesting; Microalgae; Nutrient removal; Wastewater; NP; C; Biomass production; CO2; EPS; Al; SiC; N; BR; P; HRAP; pH; Fe; Nutrient removal; Cultivation; Harvesting; ECF; Microalgae; GS; Wastewater; TC; sCOD; NaCl; Mg; TN; PUFAs; TP; Ca; Fe2O3
• ISSN: 0048-9697; 1879-1026
• DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170918

Microalgae biomass has attracted attention as a feedstock to produce biofuels, biofertilizers, and pigments. However, the high production cost associated with cultivation and separation stages is a challenge for the microalgae biotechnology application on a large scale. A promising approach to overcome the technical-economic limitations of microalgae production is using wastewater as a nutrient and water source for cultivation. This strategy reduces cultivation costs and contributes to valorizing sanitation resources. Therefore, this article presents a comprehensive literature review on the status of microalgae biomass cultivation in wastewater, focusing on production strategies and the accumulation of valuable compounds such as lipids, carbohydrates, proteins, fatty acids, and pigments. This review also covers emerging techniques for harvesting microalgae biomass cultivated in wastewater, discussing the advantages and limitations of the process, as well as pointing out the main research opportunities. The novelty of the study lies in providing a detailed analysis of state-of-the-art and potential advances in the cultivation and harvesting of microalgae, with a special focus on the use of wastewater and implementing innovative strategies to enhance productivity and the accumulation of compounds. In this context, the work aims to guide future research concerning emerging technologies in the field, emphasizing the importance of innovative approaches in cultivating and harvesting microalgae for advancing knowledge and practical applications in this area.
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•Cultivation and harvesting strategies for microalgae in wastewater are reviewed.•Wastewater blend, light control, nanoparticles, and two-stage growth were evaluated.•Cultivation strategies can improve the accumulation and production of biocompounds.•Electrocoagulation, biofilm reactor, bioflocculant and biocoagulant were evaluated.•The main challenges and opportunities of the evaluated strategies were identified.