Solar technology-closed loop synergy facilitates low-carbon circular bioeconomy in microalgal wastewater treatment

The circular bioeconomy framework addresses the global transition toward resource-efficient and low-carbon economies. The use of microalgae in sustainable circular bioeconomy largely suffers from energy consumption and underutilization of residual biomass, leading to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This analysis-based perspective reveals that closed loop microalgal wastewater systems reduce GHG emissions by >50% and enhance valorization of residual biomass for value-added products compared to open loop approach. Integrating solar technologies in closed loop system further reduces GHG emissions by 99% and aligns with 11 UN sustainable development goals, making it a suitable model for a zero-waste and low-carbon circular bioeconomy.

Automated summary

The circular bioeconomy framework is a solution to the global transition towards resource-efficient and low-carbon economies. However, the use of microalgae in this sustainable circular bioeconomy faces challenges such as energy consumption and underutilization of residual biomass, resulting in greenhouse gas emissions. This analysis demonstrates that closed loop microalgal wastewater systems can reduce GHG emissions by over 50% and increase the valorization of residual biomass for value-added products compared to open loop systems. Integrating solar technologies in closed loop systems further reduces GHG emissions by 99%, aligns with 11 UN sustainable development goals, and presents a suitable model for a zero-waste and low-carbon circular bioeconomy.