Valorization of Wastewater via Nutrient Recovery Using Algae-Based Processes

Increasing anthropogenic activities have amplified the unregulated wastewater discharge into water bodies, leading to the accumulation of nutrients and subsequent destruction of freshwater resources and aquatic habitats. Exploration of energy competent, cost-effective systems, which are able to sequester nutrients in wastewaters, has become a requisite. Recently, microalgae–bacterial consortia are gaining attention as an environmentally friendly and economically viable option for wastewater treatment and biomass production. Co-cultivation of these microorganisms promotes mutual growth and enhances nutrients removal from wastewater. Furthermore, several studies have projected the potential applications of wastewater-grown microalgal biomass for the production of renewable energy. Recently, wastewater-grown microalgae biomass has also been explored for its applications in aquaculture nutraceutical and agricultural nutrient management sectors. Thus, the use of wastewater for microalgal biomass production could form a sustainable biorefinery via wastewater treatment vis-a-vis multiple products development through valorization of biomass. The focus of this chapter is to provide the status and prospects of nutrients sequestration from wastewater using microalgae and potential applications and challenges of wastewater-grown biomass.