Microalgae consortia cultivation using effluents for bioproduct manufacture

The aim of the present study was to analyze studies that cultivate microalgae in a consortium using effluent as a nutrient source, and later use the biomass to produce other biocompounds. The production of microalgal biomass, which is associated with the remediation of effluent, production of biofuels, and by-products of high added value (such as bioethanol, biomethane, biodiesel, biofertilizers, and biochar), has been highlighted among the types of sustainable refineries. Further, consortium cultures, with interactions between microalgae and bacteria, fungi, and protozoa at the cellular level, can generate mutual relationships in the conversion and use of nutrients. Large-scale microalgae cultivation enables the mitigation of the presence of inorganic carbon in the atmosphere through microalgal cellular respiration. To assess the economic and environmental sustainability of the promotion of technologies that use microalgae, the relationships between the bioeconomy and renewable energy must be established. The present study sought to demonstrate the relationship between the factors associated with the cultivation of microalgae using effluents and the use of microalgal biomass in the production of biocomposites. Furthermore, whether these factors could favor the reduction of costs related to the production processes and boost the biorefinery industry were also investigated.

Automated summary

This study analyzed the cultivation of microalgae in a consortium using effluent as a nutrient source, and later using the biomass to produce other biocompounds. Large-scale microalgae cultivation can mitigate the presence of inorganic carbon in the atmosphere through cellular respiration. It is necessary to establish relationships between the bioeconomy and renewable energy for the economic and environmental sustainability of technologies using microalgae.