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Ammonium Utilization in Microalgae: A Sustainable Method for Wastewater Treatment

Author

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  • Giovanna Salbitani

    (Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Napoli Federico II, Via Cinthia 21, 80126 Napoli, Italy)

  • Simona Carfagna

    (Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Napoli Federico II, Via Cinthia 21, 80126 Napoli, Italy)

Abstract

In plant cells, ammonium is considered the most convenient nitrogen source for cell metabolism. However, despite ammonium being the preferred N form for microalgae, at higher concentrations, it can be toxic, and can cause growth inhibition. Microalgae’s tolerance to ammonium depends on the species, with various taxa showing different thresholds of tolerability and symptoms of toxicity. In the environment, ammonium at high concentrations represents a dangerous pollutant. It can affect water quality, causing numerous environmental problems, including eutrophication of downstream waters. For this reason, it is important to treat wastewater and remove nutrients before discharging it into rivers, lakes, or seas. A valid and sustainable alternative to conventional treatments could be provided by microalgae, coupling the nutrient removal from wastewater with the production of valuable biomass. This review is focused on ammonium and its importance in algal nutrition, but also on its problematic presence in aquatic systems such as wastewaters. The aim of this work is to provide recent information on the exploitation of microalgae in ammonium removal and the role of ammonium in microalgae metabolism.

Suggested Citation

  • Giovanna Salbitani & Simona Carfagna, 2021. "Ammonium Utilization in Microalgae: A Sustainable Method for Wastewater Treatment," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-17, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:2:p:956-:d:482690
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mata, Teresa M. & Martins, António A. & Caetano, Nidia. S., 2010. "Microalgae for biodiesel production and other applications: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 14(1), pages 217-232, January.
    2. Yang, Jia & Li, Xin & Hu, Hongying & Zhang, Xue & Yu, Yin & Chen, Yongsheng, 2011. "Growth and lipid accumulation properties of a freshwater microalga, Chlorella ellipsoidea YJ1, in domestic secondary effluents," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 88(10), pages 3295-3299.
    3. Cai, Ting & Park, Stephen Y. & Li, Yebo, 2013. "Nutrient recovery from wastewater streams by microalgae: Status and prospects," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 19(C), pages 360-369.
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    1. Wahyu Prasetyo Utomo & Hao Wu & Yun Hau Ng, 2022. "Quantification Methodology of Ammonia Produced from Electrocatalytic and Photocatalytic Nitrogen/Nitrate Reduction," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(1), pages 1-22, December.
    2. Yani Aranguren Díaz & Edy Monterroza Martínez & Laura Carillo García & María C. Serrano & Elwi Machado Sierra, 2022. "Phycoremediation as a Strategy for the Recovery of Marsh and Wetland with Potential in Colombia," Resources, MDPI, vol. 11(2), pages 1-20, January.
    3. Abdullah Omar & Fares Almomani & Hazim Qiblawey & Kashif Rasool, 2024. "Advances in Nitrogen-Rich Wastewater Treatment: A Comprehensive Review of Modern Technologies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(5), pages 1-37, March.
    4. Leong, Wai Hong & Kiatkittipong, Worapon & Lam, Man Kee & Khoo, Kuan Shiong & Show, Pau Loke & Mohamad, Mardawani & Chong, Siewhui & Abdurrahman, Muslim & Lim, Jun Wei, 2022. "Dual nutrient heterogeneity modes in a continuous flow photobioreactor for optimum nitrogen assimilation to produce microalgal biodiesel," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 184(C), pages 443-451.

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