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Castro IMP, Rosa A, Borges A, Cunha F, Passos F. The effects of microalgae use as a biofertilizer on soil and plant before and after its anaerobic (co-)digestion with food waste. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 934:173301. [PMID: 38759922 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
The increase in food waste generation has resulted in significant challenges for its sustainable management. Anaerobic digestion coupled with microalgae-based ponds for digestate treatment can be used as a low-cost eco-friendly technology approach. In this case, microalgal biomass harvested from the ponds may be valorized into bioenergy (biogas) and soil conditioner and/or biofertilizers. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the microalgal biomass produced from a food waste digestate treatment ponds as agricultural fertilizer. For this purpose, microalgal biomass was tested before and after anaerobic digestion and co-digestion with food waste, exploring its potential for valorization. The inorganic fertilizer urea and soil with no fertilization were also used as treatments. The experimental design consisted of applying the treatments in pots cultivated with hybrid grass Brachiaria cv. Sabiá and distributed in randomized blocks in a controlled greenhouse. Microalgal biomass was mainly composed by Scenedesmus sp.. The assessed parameters showed comparable results on plant growth (i.e. number of tillers, fresh and dry matter and Chlorophyll content index) for fresh and digested microalgal biomass and inorganic fertilizer. Furthermore, it was observed that fresh microalgae provided the highest Phosphorus content in the leaf (21 %). Additionally, there were increases of 9 % in Nitrogen and 12 % in organic matter in the soil after applying digested microalgae compared to the control group without any fertilization. Finally, experimental data obtained suggests that microalgae-based biofertilizer holds the potential to replace inorganic fertilizer as a nutrient source. Moreover, it contributes to the valorization of by-products from organic waste treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iacy Maria Pereira Castro
- Department of Sanitary and Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, Campus Pampulha, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil; Group of Environmental Engineering and Microbiology, Department Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, c/ Jordi Girona 1-3, Barcelona 08034, Spain
| | - André Rosa
- Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Viçosa, Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, s/n, Campus Universitario, 36570-900 Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Allison Borges
- Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Viçosa, Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, s/n, Campus Universitario, 36570-900 Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Fernando Cunha
- Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Viçosa, Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, s/n, Campus Universitario, 36570-900 Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Fabiana Passos
- Department of Sanitary and Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, Campus Pampulha, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil; Group of Environmental Engineering and Microbiology, Department Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, c/ Jordi Girona 1-3, Barcelona 08034, Spain.
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Solovchenko A, Plouviez M, Khozin-Goldberg I. Getting Grip on Phosphorus: Potential of Microalgae as a Vehicle for Sustainable Usage of This Macronutrient. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:1834. [PMID: 38999674 PMCID: PMC11243885 DOI: 10.3390/plants13131834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
Phosphorus (P) is an important and irreplaceable macronutrient. It is central to energy and information storage and exchange in living cells. P is an element with a "broken geochemical cycle" since it lacks abundant volatile compounds capable of closing the P cycle. P fertilizers are critical for global food security, but the reserves of minable P are scarce and non-evenly distributed between countries of the world. Accordingly, the risks of global crisis due to limited access to P reserves are expected to be graver than those entailed by competition for fossil hydrocarbons. Paradoxically, despite the scarcity and value of P reserves, its usage is extremely inefficient: the current waste rate reaches 80% giving rise to a plethora of unwanted consequences such as eutrophication leading to harmful algal blooms. Microalgal biotechnology is a promising solution to tackle this challenge. The proposed review briefly presents the relevant aspects of microalgal P metabolism such as cell P reserve composition and turnover, and the regulation of P uptake kinetics for maximization of P uptake efficiency with a focus on novel knowledge. The multifaceted role of polyPhosphates, the largest cell depot for P, is discussed with emphasis on the P toxicity mediated by short-chain polyPhosphates. Opportunities and hurdles of P bioremoval via P uptake from waste streams with microalgal cultures, either suspended or immobilized, are discussed. Possible avenues of P-rich microalgal biomass such as biofertilizer production or extraction of valuable polyPhosphates and other bioproducts are considered. The review concludes with a comprehensive assessment of the current potential of microalgal biotechnology for ensuring the sustainable usage of phosphorus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexei Solovchenko
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 1-12 Leninskie Gory, 119234 Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Inna Khozin-Goldberg
- Microalgal Biotechnology Laboratory, French Associates Institute for Agriculture and Biotechnology of Drylands, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sde-Boqer Campus, Midreshet Ben-Gurion 8499000, Israel
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Ezhumalai G, Arun M, Manavalan A, Rajkumar R, Heese K. A Holistic Approach to Circular Bioeconomy Through the Sustainable Utilization of Microalgal Biomass for Biofuel and Other Value-Added Products. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2024; 87:61. [PMID: 38662080 PMCID: PMC11045622 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-024-02376-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Emissions from transportation and industry primarily cause global warming, leading to floods, glacier melt, and rising seas. Widespread greenhouse gas emissions and resulting global warming pose significant risks to the environment, economy, and society. The need for alternative fuels drives the development of third-generation feedstocks: microalgae, seaweed, and cyanobacteria. These microalgae offer traits like rapid growth, high lipid content, non-competition with human food, and growth on non-arable land using brackish or waste water, making them promising for biofuel. These unique phototrophic organisms use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide (CO2) to produce biofuels, biochemicals, and more. This review delves into the realm of microalgal biofuels, exploring contemporary methodologies employed for lipid extraction, significant value-added products, and the challenges inherent in their commercial-scale production. While the cost of microalgae bioproducts remains high, utilizing wastewater nutrients for cultivation could substantially cut production costs. Furthermore, this review summarizes the significance of biocircular economy approaches, which encompass the utilization of microalgal biomass as a feed supplement and biofertilizer, and biosorption of heavy metals and dyes. Besides, the discussion extends to the in-depth analysis and future prospects on the commercial potential of biofuel within the context of sustainable development. An economically efficient microalgae biorefinery should prioritize affordable nutrient inputs, efficient harvesting techniques, and the generation of valuable by-products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ganesan Ezhumalai
- Department of Environmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, 641046, India
| | - Muthukrishnan Arun
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, 641046, India
| | - Arulmani Manavalan
- Department of Cariology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600077, India
| | - Renganathan Rajkumar
- Department of Environmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, 641046, India.
| | - Klaus Heese
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 133791, Republic of Korea.
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Cao TND, Mukhtar H, Le LT, Tran DPH, Ngo MTT, Pham MDT, Nguyen TB, Vo TKQ, Bui XT. Roles of microalgae-based biofertilizer in sustainability of green agriculture and food-water-energy security nexus. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 870:161927. [PMID: 36736400 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
For years, agrochemical fertilizers have been used in agriculture for crop production. However, intensive utilization of chemical fertilizers is not an ecological and environmental choice since they are destroying soil health and causing an emerging threat to agricultural production on a global scale. Under the circumstances of the increasing utilization of chemical fertilizers, cultivating microalgae to produce biofertilizers would be a wise solution since desired environmental targets will be obtained including (1) replacing chemical fertilizer while improving crop yields and soil health; (2) reducing the harvest of non-renewable elements from limited natural resources for chemical fertilizers production, and (3) mitigating negative influences of climate change through CO2 capture through microalgae cultivation. Recent improvements in microalgae-derived-biofertilizer-applied agriculture will be summarized in this review article. At last, the recent challenges of applying biofertilizers will be discussed as well as the perspective regarding the concept of circular bio-economy and sustainable development goals (SDGs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanh Ngoc-Dan Cao
- Department of Bioenvironmental Systems Engineering, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Road, Taipei 10617, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Hussnain Mukhtar
- Department of Bioenvironmental Systems Engineering, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Road, Taipei 10617, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Linh-Thy Le
- Faculty of Public Health, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City (UMP), Ward 11, District 5, Ho Chi Minh city 72714, Viet Nam; Key Laboratory of Advanced Waste Treatment Technology & Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT), 268 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Viet Nam
| | - Duyen Phuc-Hanh Tran
- Department of Civil Engineering, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan 32023, Taiwan, ROC; Key Laboratory of Advanced Waste Treatment Technology & Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT), 268 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Viet Nam
| | - My Thi Tra Ngo
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Waste Treatment Technology & Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT), 268 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Viet Nam
| | - Mai-Duy-Thong Pham
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Waste Treatment Technology & Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT), 268 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Viet Nam; Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh (VNUT.HCM), Linh Trung ward, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Viet Nam
| | - Thanh-Binh Nguyen
- Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Thi-Kim-Quyen Vo
- Faculty of Biology and Environment, Ho Chi Minh City University of Food Industry (HUFI), 140 Le Trong Tan street, Tan Phu district, Ho Chi Minh city 700000, Viet Nam; Key Laboratory of Advanced Waste Treatment Technology & Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT), 268 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Viet Nam
| | - Xuan-Thanh Bui
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Waste Treatment Technology & Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT), 268 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Viet Nam; Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh (VNUT.HCM), Linh Trung ward, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Viet Nam.
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Silva TA, Castro JSD, Ribeiro VJ, Ribeiro Júnior JI, Tavares GP, Calijuri ML. Microalgae biomass as a renewable biostimulant: meat processing industry effluent treatment, soil health improvement, and plant growth. ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY 2023; 44:1334-1350. [PMID: 34719354 DOI: 10.1080/09593330.2021.2000646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microalgae biomass contributes to effluent bioremediation. It is a concentrated source of nutrients and organic carbon, making it a potential alternative as a soil biostimulant. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the soil application of microalgae biomass produced from the meat processing industry effluent treatment. The biomass was applied dry and as a mixture to demonstrate its potential to increase plant production and soil metabolic functions, analyzed short-term. Doses of 0.25%, 0.5%, 1%, and 2% biomass were applied in soils from (i) Horizon A: taken at a depth between 0 and 10 cm and; (ii) Horizon B: taken at a depth between 20 and 40 cm. Corn growth (Zea Mays L.), basal soil respiration, microbial biomass carbon, total organic carbon, β-glucosidase, acid phosphatase, arylsulfatase, and urease enzymatic activity were evaluated in each sample. It is concluded that applying 2% microalgae biomass led to higher basal soil respiration, microbial biomass carbon, and β-glucosidase, acid phosphatase, arylsulfatase enzymatic activity in both soils. On the other hand, boron may have contributed to urease activity reduction in Soil A. Although 2% biomass led to higher soils characteristics, that dose did not promote higher plant growth. Hence, considering that plant growth must be in line with changes in soil characteristics, the result that provided the higher plant shoot dry matter mass was by applying 0.55% biomass in both soils. Therefore, the application of microalgae biomass produced from a meat processing industry effluent treatment promoted a biologically active soil and boosted plant growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiago Abrantes Silva
- Department of Civil Engineering, Centre for Exact and Technological Sciences, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, Brazil
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Álvarez-González A, Uggetti E, Serrano L, Gorchs G, Ferrer I, Díez-Montero R. Can microalgae grown in wastewater reduce the use of inorganic fertilizers? JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 323:116224. [PMID: 36126597 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.116224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Alternatives to conventional inorganic fertilizers are needed to cope with the growing global population and contamination due to the production and use of those inorganic compounds. The recovery of nutrients from wastewater and organic wastes is a promising option to provide fertilization in a circular economy approach. In this context, microalgae-based systems are an alternative to conventional wastewater treatment systems, reducing the treatment costs and improving the sustainability of the process, while producing nutrient-rich microalgal biomass. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the use of microalgal biomass produced during domestic wastewater treatment in high rate algal ponds as a biofertilizer in basil crops (Ocimum basilicum L.). Wastewater was successfully treated, with removal efficiencies in the secondary treatment of 69, 91 and 81% in terms of chemical oxygen demand (COD), total inorganic nitrogen (TIN) and phosphates (PO43-P), respectively. The microalgal biomass, composed mainly by Scenedesmus, presented the following composition: 12% of dry weight and nutrients concentration of 7.6% nitrogen (N), 1.6% phosphorus (P) and 0.9% potassium (K). The study compared the performance of 3 different fertilizers: 1) microalgae fertilizer (MF), 2) inorganic fertilizer (IF) as positive control and 3) the combination of both microalgae and inorganic fertilizer (MF + IF). Comparable plant growth (i.e., number of leaves, shoot fresh and dry weight and leaf fresh weight) was observed among treatments, except for leaf dry weight, which was significantly higher in the IF + MF and MF treatments (28 and 27%, respectively) in comparison with the control. However, the microalgae treatment provided the lowest chlorophyll, N and K leaf content. In conclusion, this study suggests that combining microalgae grown in wastewater with an inorganic fertilizer is a promising nutrients source for basil crops, enhancing the circular bioeconomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Álvarez-González
- GEMMA - Group of Environmental Engineering and Microbiology, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya·BarcelonaTech, Jordi Girona 1-3, Building D1, 08034, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Enrica Uggetti
- GEMMA - Group of Environmental Engineering and Microbiology, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya·BarcelonaTech, Jordi Girona 1-3, Building D1, 08034, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Lydia Serrano
- Department of Agri-Food Engineering and Biotechnology, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya BarcelonaTech, c/ Esteve Terradas 8, 08860, Castelldefels, Spain
| | - Gil Gorchs
- Department of Agri-Food Engineering and Biotechnology, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya BarcelonaTech, c/ Esteve Terradas 8, 08860, Castelldefels, Spain
| | - Ivet Ferrer
- GEMMA - Group of Environmental Engineering and Microbiology, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya·BarcelonaTech, Jordi Girona 1-3, Building D1, 08034, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rubén Díez-Montero
- GEMMA - Group of Environmental Engineering and Microbiology, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya·BarcelonaTech, Jordi Girona 1-3, Building D1, 08034, Barcelona, Spain; GIA - Group of Environmental Engineering, Department of Water and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, Universidad de Cantabria, Avda. Los Castros s/n, 39005, Santander, Spain
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Calijuri ML, Silva TA, Magalhães IB, Pereira ASADP, Marangon BB, Assis LRD, Lorentz JF. Bioproducts from microalgae biomass: Technology, sustainability, challenges and opportunities. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 305:135508. [PMID: 35777544 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.135508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microalgae are a potential feedstock for several bioproducts, mainly from its primary and secondary metabolites. Lipids can be converted in high-value polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) such as omega-3, carbohydrates are potential biohydrogen (bioH2) sources, proteins can be converted into biopolymers (such as bioplastics) and pigments can achieve high concentrations of valuable carotenoids. This work comprehends the current practices for the production of such products from microalgae biomass, with insights on technical performance, environmental and economical sustainability. For each bioproduct, discussion includes insights on bioprocesses, productivity, commercialization, environmental impacts and major challenges. Opportunities for future research, such as wastewater cultivation, arise as environmentally attractive alternatives for sustainable production with high potential for resource recovery and valorization. Still, microalgae biotechnology stands out as an attractive topic for it research and market potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Lúcia Calijuri
- Federal University of Viçosa (Universidade Federal de Viçosa/UFV), Department of Civil Engineering, Advanced Environmental Research Group - NPA, Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, S/n, Campus Universitário, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, 36570-900, Brazil.
| | - Thiago Abrantes Silva
- Federal University of Viçosa (Universidade Federal de Viçosa/UFV), Department of Civil Engineering, Advanced Environmental Research Group - NPA, Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, S/n, Campus Universitário, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, 36570-900, Brazil
| | - Iara Barbosa Magalhães
- Federal University of Viçosa (Universidade Federal de Viçosa/UFV), Department of Civil Engineering, Advanced Environmental Research Group - NPA, Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, S/n, Campus Universitário, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, 36570-900, Brazil.
| | - Alexia Saleme Aona de Paula Pereira
- Federal University of Viçosa (Universidade Federal de Viçosa/UFV), Department of Civil Engineering, Advanced Environmental Research Group - NPA, Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, S/n, Campus Universitário, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, 36570-900, Brazil
| | - Bianca Barros Marangon
- Federal University of Viçosa (Universidade Federal de Viçosa/UFV), Department of Civil Engineering, Advanced Environmental Research Group - NPA, Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, S/n, Campus Universitário, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, 36570-900, Brazil
| | - Letícia Rodrigues de Assis
- Federal University of Viçosa (Universidade Federal de Viçosa/UFV), Department of Civil Engineering, Advanced Environmental Research Group - NPA, Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, S/n, Campus Universitário, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, 36570-900, Brazil
| | - Juliana Ferreira Lorentz
- Federal University of Viçosa (Universidade Federal de Viçosa/UFV), Department of Civil Engineering, Advanced Environmental Research Group - NPA, Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, S/n, Campus Universitário, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, 36570-900, Brazil
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Couto E, Assemany PP, Assis Carneiro GC, Ferreira Soares DC. The potential of algae and aquatic macrophytes in the pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) environmental removal: a review. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 302:134808. [PMID: 35508259 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The presence of emerging contaminants, such as pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), in aquatic environments has received increasing attention in the last years due to the various possible impacts on the dynamics of the natural environment and human health. In global terms, around 771 active pharmaceutical substances or their transformation products have been detected at levels above their respective detection limit. Additionally, 528 different compounds have been detected in 159 countries. Seeking to overcome potential ecotoxicological problems, several studies have been conducted using different technologies for PPCPs removal. Recently, the use of macro, microalgae, and aquatic macrophytes has been highlighted due to the excellent bioremediation capacity of these organisms and easy acclimatization. Thus, the present review aims to outline a brief and well-oriented scenario concerning the knowledge about the bioremediation alternatives of PPCPs through the use of macro, microalgae, and aquatic macrophytes. The characteristics of PPCPs and the risks of these compounds to the environment and human health are also addressed. Moreover, the review indicates the opportunities and challenges for expanding the use of biotechnologies based on algae and aquatic macrophytes, such as studies dedicated to relate the operational criteria of these biotechnologies with the main PPCPs removal mechanisms. Finally, algae and macrophytes can compose green and ecological biotechnologies for wastewater treatment, having great contribution to PPCPs removal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Couto
- Federal University of Itajuba, Institute of Pure and Applied Sciences, Campus Itabira. Rua Irmã Ivone Drumond, 200 Itabira, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Paula Peixoto Assemany
- Federal University of Lavras, Environmental Engineering Department, Campus Universitário, Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Grazielle Cristina Assis Carneiro
- Federal University of Itajuba, Institute of Pure and Applied Sciences, Campus Itabira. Rua Irmã Ivone Drumond, 200 Itabira, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Daniel Cristian Ferreira Soares
- Federal University of Itajuba, Institute of Pure and Applied Sciences, Campus Itabira. Rua Irmã Ivone Drumond, 200 Itabira, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Magalhães IB, Ferreira J, Castro JDS, Assis LRD, Calijuri ML. Agro-industrial wastewater-grown microalgae: A techno-environmental assessment of open and closed systems. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 834:155282. [PMID: 35447175 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microalgae-based treatment can be applied to the bioremediation of agro-industrial wastewater, aiming at a circular economy approach. The present work compared the technical-environmental feasibility of operating a bubble column photobioreactor (PBR) and a high rate pond (HRP) for microalgae biomass production and wastewater treatment of a meat processing facility. The comparison was made regarding biomass productivity, phytoplankton composition, treatment efficiency, life cycle assessment, and energy balance. The daily yields of total biomass and the maximum specific growth rates were 483.33 mg L-1 d-1 and 0.23 d-1 for PBR and 95.00 mg L-1·d-1 and 0.193 d-1 for HRP, respectively, with a predominance of the species Scenedesmus acutus. The treatment efficiency of COD (~50%) and phosphorus (100%) were similar in the two reactors. However, the PBR showed greater assimilation of ammoniacal nitrogen (100% removal) due to the higher microalgal biomass productivity. Environmental impacts were assessed through the ReCiPe methodology for midpoint and endpoint levels. Results revealed that CO2 supply was the most impactful process for both systems (>60%), but HRP reached lower environmental burdens (-105.90 mPt) than PBR (60.74 mPt). Energy balance through the Net Energy Ratio also resulted in the HPR advantage over the PBR (NER = 14.23 and 1.09, respectively). Still, both reactors present advantages when applied to different valorization routes. At the same time, both present room for improvement in the light of bioeconomy and biorefineries, aiming at sustainable wastewater treatment plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iara Barbosa Magalhães
- Federal University of Viçosa (Universidade Federal de Viçosa/UFV), Department of Civil Engineering, Advanced Environmental Research Group - nPA, Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, s/n, Campus Universitário, Viçosa, Minas Gerais 36570-900, Brazil.
| | - Jéssica Ferreira
- Federal University of Viçosa (Universidade Federal de Viçosa/UFV), Department of Civil Engineering, Advanced Environmental Research Group - nPA, Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, s/n, Campus Universitário, Viçosa, Minas Gerais 36570-900, Brazil
| | - Jackeline de Siqueira Castro
- Federal University of Viçosa (Universidade Federal de Viçosa/UFV), Department of Civil Engineering, Advanced Environmental Research Group - nPA, Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, s/n, Campus Universitário, Viçosa, Minas Gerais 36570-900, Brazil
| | - Letícia Rodrigues de Assis
- Federal University of Viçosa (Universidade Federal de Viçosa/UFV), Department of Civil Engineering, Advanced Environmental Research Group - nPA, Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, s/n, Campus Universitário, Viçosa, Minas Gerais 36570-900, Brazil
| | - Maria Lúcia Calijuri
- Federal University of Viçosa (Universidade Federal de Viçosa/UFV), Department of Civil Engineering, Advanced Environmental Research Group - nPA, Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, s/n, Campus Universitário, Viçosa, Minas Gerais 36570-900, Brazil
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Marella TK, Saxena A, Tiwari A, Datta A, Dixit S. Treating agricultural non-point source pollutants using periphyton biofilms and biomass volarization. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 301:113869. [PMID: 34619588 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.113869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Untreated domestic wastewater and agricultural runoff are emerging as a potent cause of non-point source (NPS) pollutants which are a major threat to aquatic ecosystems. Periphyton biofilm-based technologies due to their high growth rate, energy efficiency and low input costs offer promising solutions for controlling nutrient pollution in agricultural systems. In this study we employed periphyton floway to treat NPS pollution from the agricultural watershed. The process performance of outdoor single pass algae floway (AFW) was evaluated. Steady state average biomass concentration of 11.73 g m-2 d-1 and removal rate of nitrogen: 0.60 g m-2 d-1, phosphorus: 0.27 g m-2d-1, arsenic: 9.26 mg m-2 d-1, chromium: 255.3 mg m-2 d-1 and lead: 238.6 mg m-2 d-1 was achieved. In addition, the microalgae and their associated bacterial diversity and dynamics were analyzed. The results revealed a high diversity and rapid variations in the microbiome structure with diatom and cyanobacteria dominance combined with high N fixing and P solubilizing bacteria during most of the operational period. Elemental analysis of periphyton biomass was done for its safe use as slow-release fertilizer. Biofuel feedstock potential and nanoparticle generation potential of the biomass were analyzed. This work highlights the potential use of periphyton biofilms in remediation and recycling of NPS pollutants with simultaneous resource recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Kiran Marella
- International Crop Research Institute for Semi-arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Patancheru, 502 324, Telangana State, India
| | - Abhishek Saxena
- Diatom Research Laboratory, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, 201 313, India
| | - Archana Tiwari
- Diatom Research Laboratory, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, 201 313, India.
| | - Aviraj Datta
- International Crop Research Institute for Semi-arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Patancheru, 502 324, Telangana State, India
| | - Sreenath Dixit
- International Crop Research Institute for Semi-arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Patancheru, 502 324, Telangana State, India
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Pereira ASADP, Castro JDS, Ribeiro VJ, Calijuri ML. Organomineral fertilizers pastilles from microalgae grown in wastewater: Ammonia volatilization and plant growth. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 779:146205. [PMID: 33744566 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
With the increasing demand for food, it is increasingly important to maintain soil fertility with the application of fertilizers to supply the nutritional needs of plants. However, the nutrients applied to the soil can suffer significant losses, impacting the environment, and increasing production costs. Using alternative sources, such as microalgae biomass (MB) generated in the treatment of wastewater, in the production of organomineral fertilizers is a way to recover nutrients from the sewage, in addition to contributing to the improvement in soil fertility and favoring crop growth, which can guarantee agricultural sustainability. In the present study, MB was grown in the effluent 00from the food industry and, subsequently, a pelleted organomineral fertilizer (POF) was produced consisting of the combination of MB and synthetic fertilizer (urea), in different proportions. The performance of the proposed fertilizer was analyzed for losses due to ammonia volatilization (N-NH3) over time, for nitrogen assimilation capacity (N) by corn plants (Zea mays L.), and its structure was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. The study concluded that the highest accumulated volatilization of N-NH3 was in the proportion of 40% of MB and the maximum content of N is reached in the proportion of 24.55% of MB. From the proportion of 25% of MB, there is no increase in N absorbed by plants, at the same time that the volatilization of N-NH3 grows with the increase in MB. The most important factors for obtaining these results were the interaction between MB and urea in the produced organomineral fertilizer tablet, where an increasingly thicker physical barrier was formed with the increase in the proportion of MB; in addition to the POF pH, in which the increase in MB proportions directly favored the pH increase.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Vinícius José Ribeiro
- Federal University of Viçosa, Department of Civil Engineering, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Maria Lúcia Calijuri
- Federal University of Viçosa, Department of Civil Engineering, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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12
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Strain-Specific Biostimulant Effects of Chlorella and Chlamydomonas Green Microalgae on Medicago truncatula. PLANTS 2021; 10:plants10061060. [PMID: 34070559 PMCID: PMC8227499 DOI: 10.3390/plants10061060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Microalgae have been identified to produce a plethora of bioactive compounds exerting growth stimulating effects on plants. The objective of this study was to investigate the plant-growth-promoting effects of three selected strains of eukaryotic green microalgae. The biostimulatory effects of two Chlorella species (MACC-360 and MACC-38) and a Chlamydomonas reinhardtii strain (cc124) were investigated in a Medicago truncatula model plant grown under controlled greenhouse conditions. The physiological responses of the M. truncatula A17 ecotype to algal biomass addition were characterized thoroughly. The plants were cultivated in pots containing a mixture of vermiculite and soil (1:3) layered with clay at the bottom. The application of live algae cells using the soil drench method significantly increased the plants’ shoot length, leaf size, fresh weight, number of flowers and pigment content. For most of the parameters analyzed, the effects of treatment proved to be specific for the applied algae strains. Overall, Chlorella application led to more robust plants with increased fresh biomass, bigger leaves and more flowers/pods compared to the control and Chlamydomonas-treated samples receiving identical total nutrients.
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Castro JDS, Assemany PP, Carneiro ACDO, Ferreira J, de Jesus Júnior MM, Rodrigues FDÁ, Calijuri ML. Hydrothermal carbonization of microalgae biomass produced in agro-industrial effluent: Products, characterization and applications. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 768:144480. [PMID: 33453536 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Hydrothermal carbonization is a thermochemical treatment whose objective is to convert carbohydrate components of a given biomass into carbon-rich material in an aqueous medium. Biomass of wastewater grown microalgae is among the various potential biomasses for this route. However, operational parameters of hydrothermal carbonization for different types of biomass are still being investigated. In general, larger temperature ranges (180-260 °C) are applied to woody biomasses, which have fibrous and/or ligneous structures and, therefore, are more thermally stable than algae biomass. This study presents the hydrothermal carbonization of microalgae biomass cultivated in an agro-industrial effluent. For this purpose, a Parr reactor was operated at different temperatures (130, 150 and 170 °C) and retention times (10, 30 and 50 min). Results showed improvements in the properties of the hydrochar, mainly energy yield and carbon concentration, after the thermochemical treatment. Energy recovery was improved, as well as hydrophobicity of the carbonized material. It was observed that in the retention time of 10 min, the increase in temperature provided an increase of 7.53% in the yield of solids. On the other hand, in the retention times of 30 and 50 min, when the temperature was increased, the solid yield decreased 6.70% and 0.92%, respectively. Thus, the highest yield of solids (77.72%) and energy (78.21%) was obtained at the temperature of 170 °C and retention time of 10 min. There was a high ash content in the raw biomass (32.99%) and an increase of approximately 3% in the carbonized material, regardless of the applied treatment. With the exception of potassium and sodium, the other macro and micronutrients were concentrated in the hydrochar after thermochemical treatment, indicating the potential of the material for agriculture application, in addition to energy use. Results showed that the retention time was the most significant operational parameter of the process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackeline de Siqueira Castro
- Department of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Viçosa, Campus da Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais 36570-900, Brazil.
| | - Paula Peixoto Assemany
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Lavras (Universidade Federal de Lavras), Campus Universitário, Lavras, Minas Gerais 37200-900, Brazil
| | - Angélica Cássia de Oliveira Carneiro
- Department of Forest Engineering, Federal University of Viçosa, Campus da Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais 36570-900, Brazil
| | - Jéssica Ferreira
- Department of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Viçosa, Campus da Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais 36570-900, Brazil
| | - Maurino Magno de Jesus Júnior
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Federal University of Viçosa, Campus da Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais 36570-900, Brazil
| | - Fábio de Ávila Rodrigues
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Federal University of Viçosa, Campus da Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais 36570-900, Brazil
| | - Maria Lúcia Calijuri
- Department of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Viçosa, Campus da Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais 36570-900, Brazil
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Dahunsi SO, Oranusi S, Efeovbokhan VE, Adesulu-Dahunsi AT, Ogunwole JO. Crop performance and soil fertility improvement using organic fertilizer produced from valorization of Carica papaya fruit peel. Sci Rep 2021; 11:4696. [PMID: 33633336 PMCID: PMC7907234 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-84206-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent times, research attention is focusing on harnessing agricultural wastes for the production of value-added products. In this study, the valorization of Carica papaya (Pawpaw) fruit peels was evaluated for the production of quality organic fertilizer via anaerobic digestion (AD) while the effects of the fertilizer on maize crop were also assessed. Pawpaw peel was first pretreated by thermo-alkaline methods before AD and analyses were carried out using standard methods. The resulting digestate was rich in nutrients and was dewatered to form solid organic fertilizer rich in microbes and soil nutrients. When applied to maize plants, organic fertilizer showed a better effect on plant traits than NPK 15–15–15 fertilizer and without fertilizer application. These were more pronounced at mid to high organic fertilizer applications (30-to-60-kg nitrogen/hectare (kg N/ha)) rate. Comparison between the values obtained from the field experiments reveals that the organic fertilizer showed better performance in all parameters such as the number of leaves, leaf area, plant height, stem girth, total shoot, and root biomass, and length of the root. However, the chemical fertilizer outperformed all the organic fertilizer applied rates in the average highest size of the corn ear by 1.4%. After harvesting, nutrient elements were found to have bioaccumulated in plant organs (leaves, stem, and root) with the highest values being 29.7 mg/L for nitrogen in the leaf and this value was reported from the experiment with 50 kg N/ha. For phosphorus and potassium, the highest concentrations of 7.05 and 8.4 mg/L were recorded in the plant’ stem of the experiment with 50 kg N/ha. All the treated soils recorded an increase in values of all nutrient elements over the control with the highest values recorded in the experiment with 60 kg N/ha. In soil with 60 kg N/ha, the nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium increased by 28, 40, and 22% respectively over the chemical fertilizer applied experiment while different levels of increases were also recorded for all other macro and microelements in all the experiments. Thus, agricultural practices by using anaerobic digestates as organic fertilizers is a sustainable method to overcome the dependence on inorganic fertilizers high rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- S O Dahunsi
- Microbiology Programme, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria.
| | - S Oranusi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - V E Efeovbokhan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - A T Adesulu-Dahunsi
- Food Science and Technology Programme, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - J O Ogunwole
- Agriculture Programme, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria
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Castro JDS, Calijuri ML, Ferreira J, Assemany PP, Ribeiro VJ. Microalgae based biofertilizer: A life cycle approach. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 724:138138. [PMID: 32268288 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.138138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Waste, especially biomass in general, is a large reservoir of nutrients that can be recovered through different technologies and used to produce biofertilizers. In the present study, environmental impacts of the production of microalgae biomass-based phosphate biofertilizer compared to triple superphosphate through life-cycle assessment conducted in the Simapro® software were investigated. The functional unit of the analysis was 163 g of P for both fertilizers. Phosphorus was recovered from a meat processing industry effluent in a high-rate algal pond. Impacts related to the entire biofertilizer chain impacted mainly on climate changes (3.17 kg CO2eq). Microalgae biofertilizer had higher environmental impact than conventional fertilizer in all impact categories, highlighting climate change and terrestrial ecotoxicity. An ideal scenario was created considering that: all energy used comes from photovoltaic panels; in the separation step a physical method will be used, without energy expenditure (i.e. gravimetric sedimentation) and; biomass will be dried in a drying bed instead of the thermal drying. In this scenario, the impact of biofertilizer approached considerably those of triple superphosphate. When impacts of biomass cultivation and concentration stages were disregarded, drying step was of great relevance, contributing to increase biofertilizer impacts. More research is needed to optimize the algae production chain and determine the possibility of obtaining higher added value products more environmental attractive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackeline de Siqueira Castro
- Department of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Viçosa, Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, s/n, Campus da Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais 36570-900, Brazil.
| | - Maria Lúcia Calijuri
- Department of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Viçosa, Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, s/n, Campus da Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais 36570-900, Brazil
| | - Jessica Ferreira
- Department of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Viçosa, Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, s/n, Campus da Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais 36570-900, Brazil
| | - Paula Peixoto Assemany
- Department of Water Resources and Sanitation, Federal University of Lavras, Campus Universitário, 37200-900 Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Vinícius José Ribeiro
- Department of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Viçosa, Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, s/n, Campus da Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais 36570-900, Brazil
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From Laboratory Tests to the Ecoremedial System: The Importance of Microorganisms in the Recovery of PPCPs-Disturbed Ecosystems. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/app10103391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The presence of a wide variety of emerging pollutants in natural water resources is an important global water quality challenge. Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) are known as emerging contaminants, widely used by modern society. This objective ensures availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all, according to the 2030 Agenda. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) do not always mitigate the presence of these emerging contaminants in effluents discharged into the environment, although the removal efficiency of WWTP varies based on the techniques used. This main subject is framed within a broader environmental paradigm, such as the transition to a circular economy. The research and innovation within the WWTP will play a key role in improving the water resource management and its surrounding industrial and natural ecosystems. Even though bioremediation is a green technology, its integration into the bio-economy strategy, which improves the quality of the environment, is surprisingly rare if we compare to other corrective techniques (physical and chemical). This work carries out a bibliographic review, since the beginning of the 21st century, on the biological remediation of some PPCPs, focusing on organisms (or their by-products) used at the scale of laboratory or scale-up. PPCPs have been selected on the basics of their occurrence in water resources. The data reveal that, despite the advantages that are associated with bioremediation, it is not the first option in the case of the recovery of systems contaminated with PPCPs. The results also show that fungi and bacteria are the most frequently studied microorganisms, with the latter being more easily implanted in complex biotechnological systems (78% of bacterial manuscripts vs. 40% fungi). A total of 52 works has been published while using microalgae and only in 7% of them, these organisms were used on a large scale. Special emphasis is made on the advantages that are provided by biotechnological systems in series, as well as on the need for eco-toxicological control that is associated with any process of recovery of contaminated systems.
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