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Valorization of liquid digestate from wastewater and microalgae: a promising proposal for nutrient recovery in hydroponic systems

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  • Aline Rubert

    (University of Passo Fundo, (UPF))

  • Jorge Alberto Costa

    (University of Passo Fundo, (UPF))

  • Luciane M. Colla

    (University of Passo Fundo, (UPF))

  • Marcelo Hemkemeier

    (University of Passo Fundo, (UPF))

Abstract

Mineral fertilizers are essential for food production; however, they can cause several environmental problems. Nutrients reused from anaerobic digestion (AD) of wastewater for plant nutrition can mitigate these effects and encourage sustainable agriculture. Furthermore, AD simultaneously generates clean energy. However, there is a need to compile relevant information for the implementation of co-digestions involving wastewater and microalgae, with specific emphasis on assessing the quality of the digestate for agriculture. Therefore, this review article seeks to elucidate the factors associated with the anaerobic co-digestion of wastewater and microalgae, focusing on the valorization of liquid digestate in hydroponics, while also listing economic and circular economy factors. A comprehensive search for research articles was performed in the Scopus and Web of Science databases. The research was divided into two stages, the first related to the co-digestion of microalgae and wastewater, and the second consisting of the application of the digestate as a biofertilizer in hydroponics. These searches resulted in 16 relevant articles. When evaluating the studies, it was found that microalgae have the potential to increase the amount of biogas generation and the quality of digestates. Anaerobic co-digestion has great versatility and can treat different types of wastewater, waste and microalgae. Co-digestion of wastewater and microalgae has the potential to reduce costs in conventional treatment plants and mitigate environmental impacts. Digestates can serve effectively as biofertilizers in hydroponics, although this remains a relatively unexplored area. This study provides a comprehensive overview of aspects associated with the production of biofertilizers for hydroponics through the valorization of liquid digestate from the anaerobic co-digestion of wastewater and microalgae. Furthermore, it offers information on waste recovery, illustrating how this process can contribute to a circular economy addressing economic considerations. Graphical abstract

Suggested Citation

  • Aline Rubert & Jorge Alberto Costa & Luciane M. Colla & Marcelo Hemkemeier, 2025. "Valorization of liquid digestate from wastewater and microalgae: a promising proposal for nutrient recovery in hydroponic systems," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 27(10), pages 25429-25464, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:endesu:v:27:y:2025:i:10:d:10.1007_s10668-024-04726-y
    DOI: 10.1007/s10668-024-04726-y
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