Utilization of Microalgae for Integrated Biomass Production and Phycoremediation of Wastewater

Increasing population and Industrialization are key pollutant contributors in water bodies. These wastes are highly hazardous for humansand ecosystem and require a comprehensive, effective treatment before discharge into water bodies. Over the years, many up gradations have been introduced in traditional water treatment methods which were expensive and ineffective especially for removal of heavy metals. Micro alga has been gaining attention due to its mutual benefit in wastewater treatment and for valuable algae biomass production. Waste water especially sewage and industrial effluents are rich in pathogenic organisms, organic, inorganic and heavy metals that adversely affect human and aquatic life. Algae use these inorganic and heavy metals for its growth. In addition it also reduces pathogenic organism and release oxygen to be used by bacteria for decomposition of organic compounds in secondary treatment. In this review, we will discuss potential of microalgae in wastewater treatment, their benefits, strategies and challenges.