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Phycoremediation of wastewaters: a synergistic approach using microalgae for bioremediation and biomass generation
Renuka, N.; Sood, A.; Prasanna, R. & Ahluwalia, A.S.
Abstract
Discharge of untreated domestic and industrial
wastewater into aquatic bodies is posing a serious eutrophication
threat, leading to a slow degradation of the water
resources. A number of physical, chemical and biological
methods have been developed for the treatment of wastewaters;
among these, the use of microalgae is considered as a
more eco-friendly and economical approaches. Microalgae
are versatile organisms which perform multiple roles in the
environment—bioremediation of wastewater, gleaning of
excess nutrients and in turn, generate valuable biomass which
finds applications in the food, biofuel and pharmaceutical
industries. They are currently being utilized to reduce the high
nutrient load (especially N and P) from wastewaters, which
fulfill the growth requirements of microalgae, making it a
suitable cultivation medium for biomass production. The
present review represents a comprehensive compilation of
reports on microalgal diversity of wastewaters, followed by a
critical overview of their utilization, suitability and potential
in bioremediation vis-a-vis biomass production. This review
also emphasizes the superiority of polyalgal and consortial
approaches in wastewater treatment, as compared to the use of
unialgal inocula, besides providing useful pointers for future
research needs in this area.
Keywords
Wastewater; Eutrophication; Microalgal diversity; Consortia; Nutrient removal; Biomass production
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