A Review of the Strategic Use of Sodium Alginate Polymer in the Immobilization of Microorganisms for Water Recycling

Abstract

In the quest for advanced and environmentally friendly solutions to address challenges in the field of wastewater treatment, the use of polymers such as sodium alginate (Na-Alg) in combination with immobilized microorganisms (IMs) stands out as a promising strategy. This study assesses the potential of Na-Alg in immobilizing microorganisms for wastewater treatment, emphasizing its effectiveness and relevance in environmental preservation through the use of IMs. Advances in IMs are examined, and the interactions between these microorganisms and Na-Alg as the immobilization support are highlighted. Additionally, models for studying the kinetic degradation of contaminants and the importance of oxygen supply to IMs are detailed. The combination of Na-Alg with IMs shows promise in the context of improving water quality, preserving ecological balance, and addressing climate change, but further research is required to overcome the identified challenges. Additional areas to explore are discussed, which are expected to contribute to the innovation of relevant systems.

Immobilised Inulinase from Aspergillus niger for Fructose Syrup Production: An Optimisation Model

“…It is biodegradable, ensuring minimal environmental impact and promoting sustainability. It can form gels with calcium ions, providing a solid matrix for trapping microorganisms and contaminants, and immobilised microorganisms in alginate matrices can be recovered and reused, increasing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of treatment processes [20,21].…”