Pollution prevention and waste phycoremediation by algal-based wastewater treatment technologies: The applications of high-rate algal ponds (HRAPs) and algal turf scrubber (ATS). (15th October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Leong, Yoong Kit; Huang, Chi-Yu; Chang, Jo-Shu
• Is Part Of: Journal of environmental management. Volume 296(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-10-15
• Subjects: Algae -- Algal turf scrubber -- Algal biofilm -- High-rate algae pond -- Resource recovery -- Wastewater treatment; Environmental policy -- Periodicals; Environmental management -- Periodicals; Environment -- Periodicals; Ecology -- Periodicals; 363.705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.113193
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-4797

Abstract

Abstract: Following the escalating human population growth and rapid urbanization, the tremendous amount of urban and industrial waste released leads to a series of critical issues such as health issues, climate change, water crisis, and pollution problems. With the advantages of a favorable carbon life cycle, high photosynthetic efficiencies, and being adaptive to harsh environments, algae have attracted attention as an excellent agent for pollution prevention and waste phycoremediation. Following the concept of circular economy and biorefinery for sustainable production and waste minimization, this review discusses the role of four different algal-based wastewater treatment technologies, including high-rate algal ponds (HRAPs), HRAP-absorption column (HRAP-AC), hybrid algal biofilm-enhanced raceway pond (HABERP) and algal turf scrubber (ATS) in waste management and resource recovery. In addition to the nutrient removal mechanisms and operation parameters, recent advances and developments have been discussed for each technology, including (1) Innovative operation strategies and treatment of emerging contaminants (ECs) employing HRAPs, (2) Biogas upgrading utilizing HRAP-AC system and approaches of O2 minimization in biomethane, (3) Operation of different HABERP systems, (4) Life-cycle and cost analysis of HRAPs-based wastewater treatment system, and (5) Value-upgrading for harvested algal biomass and life-cycle cost analysis of ATS system. Highlights: Pilot- and full-scale HRAPs are discussed with innovative operation strategies. HRAP-AC as a tool for simultaneous biogas upgrading and wastewater treatment. HABERP for easier harvesting, lesser land footprint, and higher light efficiency. ATS as an alternative attached algae phycoremediation technology for HRAPs.