Phycoremediation of phenol‐polluted petro‐industrial effluents and its techno‐economic values as a win‐win process for a green environment, sustainable energy and bioproducts

Abstract

Summary The discharge of the toxic phenol‐polluted petro‐industrial effluents (PPPIE) has severe environmental negative impacts, thus it is mandatory to be treated before its discharge. The objective of this review was to discuss the sustainable application of microalgae in phenols degradation, with a special emphasis on the enzymes involved in this bioprocess and the factors affecting the success of PPPIE phycoremediation. Moreover, it confers the microalgae bioenergetic strategies to degrade different forms of phenols in PPPIE. It also points out the advantages of the latest application of bacteria, fungi and microalgae as microbial consortia in phenols biodegradation. Briefly, phycoremediation of PPPIE consumes carbon dioxide emitted from petro‐industries for; valorization of the polluted water to be reused and production of algal biomass which can act as a source of energy for such integrated bioprocess. Besides, the harvested algal biomass can feasibly produce; third‐generation biofuels, biorefineries, bioplastics, fish and animal feed, food supplements, natural dyes, antioxidants and many other valuable products. Consequently, this review precisely confirms that the phycoremediation of PPPIE is a win‐win process for a green environment and a sustainable future. Thus, to achieve the three pillars of sustainability; social, environmental and economic; it is recommendable to integrate PPPIE treatment with algal cultivation. This integrated process would overcome the problem of greenhouse gas emissions, global warming and climate change, solve the problem of water‐scarce, and protect the environment from the harmful negative impacts of PPPIE.

Effectiveness of Torrefaction By-Products as Additive in Vacuum Blackwater under Anaerobic Digestion and Economic Significance

“…The combination of these two processes not only provides an efficient and cost-effective method for treating wastewater but also allows for the production of valuable biofuels and other valuable products. This integrated approach has the potential to significantly reduce overall costs, with one study reporting decreases in algal biomass production expenses of 90% and unit energy costs of 20-25% upon usage of wastewater [102].…”

Hormesis effects of phenol on growth and cellular metabolites of Chlorella sp. under different nutritional conditions using response surface methodology

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