ISSN print edition: 0366-6352
ISSN electronic edition: 1336-9075
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An integrating approach of using micro-algae in wastewater treatment: a critical review

Nano and Biomaterials Lab, Department of Chemistry, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan

Abstract:

The main objective of wastewater treatment (WWT) is to remove as many pollutants as possible from water. A traditional wastewater treatment system (WWTS) is unsuitable for treatment due to high energy requirements, emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG), and substantial sludge production. Using microalgae for the WWT could be a better option due to their ability to remove a variety of pollutants and produce valuable algal biomass. The studies show that microalgae can remove 60–95% N, 70–98% P, 65–90% COD, and BOD, use CO₂ for glucose production, and efficiently adsorb heavy metals ranging from 54 to 99% for their growth. In addition, microalgae reduce dye and pesticide concentrations by 60–98%, as well as concentrations of microorganisms and emerging contaminants (ECs) 40–95%. Additionally, the algal biomass produced during WWT is used for biofuel, biochar, and bio-fertilizer production. However, the creation of an algal-based treatment system requires a large area, continuous monitoring, and substantial capital investment, which makes industrial-scale upscaling difficult. This review examine recent studies, factors affecting microalgal performance, and the integration of diverse organisms and techniques with microalgae to improve treatment efficiency.

Full paper is available at www.springerlink.com.

DOI: 10.1007/s11696-026-04848-9

Chemical Papers 80 (9) 9817–9838 (2026)

Sunday, September 06, 2026