Future Prospects of Microalgae in Wastewater Treatment

Abstract

Wastewaters provide necessary nutrients in aqueous medium for the cultivation of microalgae and a simultaneous removal of pollutants like heavy and toxic metals, TSS, TDS, FOG, BOD, and COD from the wastewater. Another simulated technique of granular activated pellets of microalgae proved promising alternative way for efficient wastewater treatment. Natural lipid, carbohydrate, and protein contents of the microalgae are retained during the enhanced cultivation in the wastewater. These natural contents are suitable for energy production. The high productivity of microalgae coupled with a traditional biofuel production technique would solve the cost- and environmental-related issues with the fossil fuels. Therefore, the designing of suitable high rate algal ponds or photobioreactors for the large cultivation and harvesting of microalgae biomass during the wastewater treatment vis-à-vis biofuels production in an integrated process for the commercial exploration of prospective algal energy.