Wastewater-based microalgal biorefineries for the production of astaxanthin and co-products: Current status, challenges and future perspectives.

Gannoru Kankanamalage Sanuji Hasara Nishshanka, Vinoj Chamilka Liyanaarachchi, Malith Premaratne, P H V Nimarshana, Thilini U Ariyadasa, Michael Kornaros

Journal: Bioresource technology 2021;342():126018

PMID: 34571169

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Abstract

The freshwater microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis and Chlorella zofingiensis are attractive biorefinery feedstocks in view of their ability to simultaneously synthesize astaxanthin and other valuable metabolites. Nonetheless, there are concerns regarding the sustainability of such biorefineries due to the high freshwater footprint of microalgae cultivation. The integration of wastewater as an alternative growth media is a promising approach to reduce freshwater demand. Wastewater-based cultivation enables the recovery of essential nutrients required for microalgae growth and consequently results in phycoremediation of wastewater, thus promoting the concept of a circular economy and further enhancing the sustainability of the process. In this review, recent developments in wastewater-integrated cultivation of H. pluvialis and C. zofingiensis for astaxanthin production are discussed. Furthermore, prospective strategies for overcoming the inherent challenges of wastewater-based cultivation are reviewed. Moreover, the biorefinery potential of wastewater-grown H. pluvialis and C. zofingiensis is delineated and future perspectives of wastewater-based biorefineries are outlined.

Address: Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Moratuwa 10400, Sri Lanka.; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Moratuwa 10400, Sri Lanka.; Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Moratuwa 10400, Sri Lanka. Electronic address: [email protected].; Lab. of Biochemical Engineering & Environmental Technology (LBEET), Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece.

DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2021.126018

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MeSH Terms: Chlorella, Microalgae, Prospective Studies, Wastewater, Xanthophylls