Bio-based solutions for micronutrient extraction from wastewater Article Swipe
YOU?
·
· 2025
· Open Access
·
· DOI: https://doi.org/10.37756/bk.25.7.7.1
· OA: W4413067007
Large volumes of wastewater produced as a result of extensive water consumption for urban, industrial, and agricultural uses cause many complications. An excessive amount of nutrients, particularly nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), in wastewater could lead to eutrophication in lakes and disturb the equilibrium of the ecosystem. Withdrawal of harmful metals and nutrients from wastewater to acceptable levels before it is discharged and used again is a crucial step in wastewater treatment. Nevertheless, the majority of traditional wastewater treatment systems rely on physical and chemical processes that are not cost-effective for treating wastewater, particularly that from agriculture. Using wastewater as a source of nutrient elements like nitrogen and phosphate is an excellent option to develop microalgae for micronutrient extraction. The harvesting of microalgae to use as feedstock for biofuels like biogas will enhance its value. Despite the enthusiastic research that has been published on algae growth in wastewater and simultaneous micronutrient extraction, the challenge of the scale-up process still needs to be addressed. In this study, we present the use of microalgae to extract micronutrients. We notably discuss the techniques that have been shown to enhance the growth of microalgae and their interactions with other microbes as a bio-based solution to wastewater treatment. This study also emphasizes the potential of co-cultivating microorganisms with microalgae, such as bacteria and yeast, for micronutrient extraction from wastewater.
