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Utilization of Microalgae for Urban Wastewater Treatment and Valorization of Treated Wastewater and Biomass for Biofertilizer Applications

Author

Listed:
  • Shoyeb Khan

    (Algal Technology Program, Centre for Sustainable Development, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar)

  • Mahmoud Thaher

    (Algal Technology Program, Centre for Sustainable Development, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar)

  • Mohammed Abdulquadir

    (Algal Technology Program, Centre for Sustainable Development, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar)

  • Mohammed Faisal

    (Algal Technology Program, Centre for Sustainable Development, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar)

  • Sanjeet Mehariya

    (Algal Technology Program, Centre for Sustainable Development, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar)

  • Mohammad A. A. Al-Najjar

    (Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman 11937, Jordan)

  • Hareb Al-Jabri

    (Algal Technology Program, Centre for Sustainable Development, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
    Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar)

  • Probir Das

    (Algal Technology Program, Centre for Sustainable Development, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar)

Abstract

Rapid urbanization has substantially increased freshwater consumption and consequent wastewater generation. The produced wastewater is an abundant resource of phosphorus, nitrogen, and organics. Currently, well-established activated sludge processes are utilized in conventional wastewater treatment plants to remove organics. However, removing nitrogenous and phosphorus compounds continues to be challenging and energy-intensive for urban wastewater treatment plants. Therefore, the current study aims to understand how photosynthetic microalgae can recover phosphorus and nitrogen from urban wastewater and how wastewater-grown microalgae biomass may be used as a biofertilizer and biostimulant. Utilizing microalgae biomass treated with urban wastewater as a biofertilizer promotes plant growth in a manner similar to other organic manures and conventional fertilizers while minimizing nutrient loss to the soil. Furthermore, the microalgal recovery of nutrients from urban wastewater could have potential energy reductions of 47% and 240% for nitrogen and phosphorus, respectively. In addition to producing treated wastewater suitable for a variety of irrigation systems, microalgae biomass is a potential sustainable alternative resource that could reduce conventional inorganic fertilizer usage.

Suggested Citation

  • Shoyeb Khan & Mahmoud Thaher & Mohammed Abdulquadir & Mohammed Faisal & Sanjeet Mehariya & Mohammad A. A. Al-Najjar & Hareb Al-Jabri & Probir Das, 2023. "Utilization of Microalgae for Urban Wastewater Treatment and Valorization of Treated Wastewater and Biomass for Biofertilizer Applications," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(22), pages 1-18, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:22:p:16019-:d:1281713
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Qadir, M. & Drechsel, Pay & Cisneros, B. J. & Kim, Y. & Pramanik, A. & Mehta, P. & Olaniyan, O., 2020. "Global and regional potential of wastewater as a water, nutrient and energy source," Papers published in Journals (Open Access), International Water Management Institute, pages 44(1):40-51.
    2. Jalali, M. & Merikhpour, H. & Kaledhonkar, M.J. & Van Der Zee, S.E.A.T.M., 2008. "Effects of wastewater irrigation on soil sodicity and nutrient leaching in calcareous soils," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 95(2), pages 143-153, February.
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    1. Ján Derco & Patrícia Guľašová & Maša Legan & Ronald Zakhar & Andreja Žgajnar Gotvajn, 2024. "Sustainability Strategies in Municipal Wastewater Treatment," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(20), pages 1-41, October.

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