Chapter 13
Phycoremediation: An Integrated and Ecofriendly Approach for Wastewater
Treatment and Value-Added Product
Potential
J. Umamaheswari, D. Saranya, S. Abinandan, Mallavarapu Megharaj,
Suresh R. Subashchandrabose, and S. Shanthakumar
Abstract This book chapter presents a review on the application and challenges of
microalgae (phycoremediation) for wastewater treatment. Primarily, the general
brief is an investigative focus that compares current technologies in wastewater
research around the globe and emphasizes the positive aspects of the
phycoremediation approach. Much scientific literature has reported the feasibility
and innovative merits of phycoremediation, particularly on the assimilation and
accumulation of nutrients from wastewater. We discuss the potential of the technology, based on existing reports such as the advantages and disadvantages of
phycoremediation. Subsequently, the biomass application from certain quantities
of wastewater will have a benefit in the form of commercial applications. The
chapter ends with a discussion of trends and future directions based on the detailed
literature review with a focus on ensuring safer and sustainable implementation of
phycoremediation.
J. Umamaheswari · D. Saranya · S. Shanthakumar (*)
Department of Environmental and Water Resources Engineering, School of Civil and Chemical
Engineering, VIT University, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
e-mail: shanthakumar.s@vit.ac.in
S. Abinandan
Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), Faculty of Science and Information
Technology, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales (NSW), Australia
M. Megharaj · S. R. Subashchandrabose
Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), Faculty of Science and Information
Technology, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales (NSW), Australia
Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the
Environment (CRC CARE), C/- Newcastle University, Newcastle, New South Wales (NSW),
Australia
e-mail: megh.mallavarapu@newcastle.edu.au; Suresh.Subashchandrabose@newcastle.edu.au
© Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2020
R. N. Bharagava, G. Saxena (eds.), Bioremediation of Industrial Waste for
Environmental Safety, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-3426-9_13
305
Phycoremediation: An Integrated and Ecofriendly Approach for Wastewater
Treatment and Value-Added Product
Potential
J. Umamaheswari, D. Saranya, S. Abinandan, Mallavarapu Megharaj,
Suresh R. Subashchandrabose, and S. Shanthakumar
Abstract This book chapter presents a review on the application and challenges of
microalgae (phycoremediation) for wastewater treatment. Primarily, the general
brief is an investigative focus that compares current technologies in wastewater
research around the globe and emphasizes the positive aspects of the
phycoremediation approach. Much scientific literature has reported the feasibility
and innovative merits of phycoremediation, particularly on the assimilation and
accumulation of nutrients from wastewater. We discuss the potential of the technology, based on existing reports such as the advantages and disadvantages of
phycoremediation. Subsequently, the biomass application from certain quantities
of wastewater will have a benefit in the form of commercial applications. The
chapter ends with a discussion of trends and future directions based on the detailed
literature review with a focus on ensuring safer and sustainable implementation of
phycoremediation.
J. Umamaheswari · D. Saranya · S. Shanthakumar (*)
Department of Environmental and Water Resources Engineering, School of Civil and Chemical
Engineering, VIT University, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
e-mail: shanthakumar.s@vit.ac.in
S. Abinandan
Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), Faculty of Science and Information
Technology, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales (NSW), Australia
M. Megharaj · S. R. Subashchandrabose
Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), Faculty of Science and Information
Technology, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales (NSW), Australia
Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the
Environment (CRC CARE), C/- Newcastle University, Newcastle, New South Wales (NSW),
Australia
e-mail: megh.mallavarapu@newcastle.edu.au; Suresh.Subashchandrabose@newcastle.edu.au
© Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2020
R. N. Bharagava, G. Saxena (eds.), Bioremediation of Industrial Waste for
Environmental Safety, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-3426-9_13
305