Systematic review on proliferation of microalgae and carbon sequestration potential for sustainability.

Rising atmospheric CO₂ underscores the need for carbon mitigation strategies. Microalgae have emerged as a promising nature-based solution due to their exceptional photosynthetic efficiency, rapid biomass production, and adaptability to diverse environmental conditions. It satisfies the mandate of different sustainable development goals viz. SDG-02, 06, 07, 09, 12 and 13. This study investigates the carbon sequestration potential of various microalgae along with different microalgal cultivation systems, factors affecting cultivation, genetic interventions and solution-based applications. It was investigated that carbon sequestration potential of various microalgal strains varied in between 0.06 and 2.57 g L⁻¹ d⁻¹, where Haematococcus pluvialis exhibited the highest rate (2.57 g L⁻¹ d⁻¹). Among the different types of microalgae cultivation systems, the biofilm reactors and hybrid reactor designs were evaluated for higher efficiency. Environmental and operational factors influencing carbon fixation capacity are critically compared. The study explores genetic interventions for enhanced microalgal productivity both quantitatively and qualitatively. Chlamydomonas reinhardtii showed an increase in carbon fixation (35%) and biomass production (25%) with genetic intervention. Alongside, microalgae have diverse industrial applications. In bioenergy production, species viz. Desmodesmus spp. and Nannochloropsis oceanica had broader applications, while Spirulina platensis and Chlorella variabilis were recommended for ensuring nutritional security. Pharmaceutical applications of Dunaliella bardawil and Chlamydomonas reinhardtii were also observed in anti-inflammatory drugs. Additionally, microalgae like Anabaena spp. and Nostoc spp. are utilised as biofertilizers; Dunaliella bardawil and Haematococcus lacustris for industrial bioproducts and Scenedesmus spp. and Chlorella spp. for bioremediation of wastewater treatment.

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