Algal Consortiums: A Novel and Integrated Approach for Wastewater Treatment

Abstract

Urbanization, industrialization and other human-related activities discharge various inorganic and organic toxic compounds into the environment. Many physical, chemical and biological methods have been practiced, to treat contaminated wastewater: among these, the biological method of wastewater treatment by utilizing algae has been reviewed widely. However, the removal efficacy of algae monoculture is low, as compared to the algae consortium systems. The presence of microorganisms such as fungi or bacteria in wastewater can establish various relationships, such as mutualism or symbiosis with algae, which help in the removal of various organic and inorganic compounds from wastewater, thus acting as a wastewater treatment system. Heterotrophic microorganisms can segregate natural organic matter, which is released by algae in the form of dissolved organic carbon, and releases carbon dioxide, which is utilized by algae for photosynthesis. In accordance with existing studies, microalgal consortiums with bacteria or fungi occurring naturally or crafted artificially can be utilized for wastewater treatment; therefore, the present review provides an outline of the symbiotic relationships between algae and other microorganisms, and their applications in wastewater treatment. Various mechanisms—such as mutualism, commensalism and parasitism—for the removal of different pollutants from wastewater by consortium systems have been elucidated in this review; moreover, this review addresses the challenges that are restricting large-scale implementation of these consortiums, thus demanding more research to enable enhanced commercialization.

Using Fungi in Artificial Microbial Consortia to Solve Bioremediation Problems

“…Immobilized fungal consortia can be used in non-sterile conditions at a separate stage, and then be integrated into conventional waste treatment systems before the action of aerobic sludge at water processing stations [ 128 , 129 , 130 ]. In some cases, the self-stabilization of the artificial fungi-containing consortia is sufficient for their use in non-immobilized form in laboratory conditions to treat various real contaminated industrial and environmental water and soil samples [ 39 , 44 , 49 , 51 , 94 , 107 , 108 , 110 ].…”

Significance and Applications of the Microalgae Chlamydomonas and its Bacterial Consortia

“…The use of microalgae-bacteria consortia in bioremediation is known as a promising approach for wastewater treatment [89]. These consortia utilize the synergistic relationship between microalgae and bacteria to efficiently degrade organic matter, remove inorganic compounds, enhance biomass production, or improve influent quality, among other benefits, [90]. In fact, the use of microalgaebacteria consortia can provide several advantages over the use of just microalgae monocultures for the bioremediation treatment of different wastewater such as improve the nutrient or antibiotics removal as well as to reduce the contamination risk.…”

Review on microalgae protein and its current and future utilisation in the food industry

“…Microalgae being a rich protein source have attracted an increased interest of food technologists because of the various benefits over other conventional sources. It possess rapid growth rate, excludes the requirement for arable land, demand low water and can produce an extensive range of bioactive compounds (Bhatnagar et al ., 2021; De Mendonca et al ., 2021; Gururani et al ., 2022). The protein content (PC) of algae is typically high, that is around 30% and in case of few cyanobacteria it can reach up to 55%–60% than other plant and animal‐based sources such as 35% in soy; 18% in chickpea; 63% in turkey; 50% in beef; 18% in meat; 10% in dairy; 6% in shellfish and fin fish; 26% in peanuts; 47% in dried eggs.…”