period to replace conventional systems. Therefore, the application of
phycoremediation must have commercialization benefits if it is to be more than
superficially successful. Future growth of phycoremediation heavily depends on the
generated biomass application since the current technologies do not compensate the
environment and economic advantages.
We reviewed the advantages and disadvantages of phycoremediation in various
wastewater treatment systems. Especially, municipal WWT streams indicate the
presence of emerging contaminants and should be studied in more detail so that
technology is not transferred from one mode to another. Several reports have proved
that raceway ponds are better in comparison with photobioreactors in terms of
effective remediation. This is despite the fact that the PBR has produced more
biomass, fewer contaminants, and less evaporative losses. Proper design considerations and footprint reduction are the drawbacks to operating PBR in a commercial
context. In the meantime, the predicted water insufficiency and climate change have
led to make amendments in several environmental policies and encouraged industries to recycle water. Apart from the nutrient removal, there are always constraints
especially in industries due to socioeconomic factors. Indicators such as the return on
investment, fossil energy returns, and net present value are key issues that stakeholders need to take into account.
Due to the limitations noted above, it is difficult to identify the suitable biomass
opportunities from WWT systems by algal cultivation. Manninen et al. (2016)
showed that biogas from algae did not cover the associated electricity cost. Yet the
consumption during cultivation and harvesting can be excluded provided the nutrient
recovery efficiency is met. Efroymson et al. (2016) suggested that assessment of
socioeconomic indicators has outweighed the negatives of algal-based biofuel systems due to the production of adequate energy security. Regarding land footprint,
constructed wetland proved to be better because the area required is less compared to
the high-rate algal pond. Overall, better design aspects and isolation of algae from
the local environment will help this technology to overcome contrary claims.
6 Conclusions
The importance of phycoremediation for energy generation specifically from wastewaters is swiftly improving and becoming much more productive. It is also incorporating hybrid approaches that exist in current technologies to nullify the costs
incurred on the energy required. Interestingly, engineering of microalgae to improve
lipid production and CO 2 fixation has led to developing tailored microbes
susceptible to the environment. This is an expanding area of research in WWT
operations. The data that are now accessible in scientific forums readily offers
sufficient technical knowledge that the general public is better able to understand.
Furthermore, ongoing research facilitating long-term field applications warrants
attention being paid to phycoremediation. The immediate effect of advancing
scientific knowledge and mainly microbial tailoring is likely to lead to decisive
326
J. Umamaheswari et al.
phycoremediation must have commercialization benefits if it is to be more than
superficially successful. Future growth of phycoremediation heavily depends on the
generated biomass application since the current technologies do not compensate the
environment and economic advantages.
We reviewed the advantages and disadvantages of phycoremediation in various
wastewater treatment systems. Especially, municipal WWT streams indicate the
presence of emerging contaminants and should be studied in more detail so that
technology is not transferred from one mode to another. Several reports have proved
that raceway ponds are better in comparison with photobioreactors in terms of
effective remediation. This is despite the fact that the PBR has produced more
biomass, fewer contaminants, and less evaporative losses. Proper design considerations and footprint reduction are the drawbacks to operating PBR in a commercial
context. In the meantime, the predicted water insufficiency and climate change have
led to make amendments in several environmental policies and encouraged industries to recycle water. Apart from the nutrient removal, there are always constraints
especially in industries due to socioeconomic factors. Indicators such as the return on
investment, fossil energy returns, and net present value are key issues that stakeholders need to take into account.
Due to the limitations noted above, it is difficult to identify the suitable biomass
opportunities from WWT systems by algal cultivation. Manninen et al. (2016)
showed that biogas from algae did not cover the associated electricity cost. Yet the
consumption during cultivation and harvesting can be excluded provided the nutrient
recovery efficiency is met. Efroymson et al. (2016) suggested that assessment of
socioeconomic indicators has outweighed the negatives of algal-based biofuel systems due to the production of adequate energy security. Regarding land footprint,
constructed wetland proved to be better because the area required is less compared to
the high-rate algal pond. Overall, better design aspects and isolation of algae from
the local environment will help this technology to overcome contrary claims.
6 Conclusions
The importance of phycoremediation for energy generation specifically from wastewaters is swiftly improving and becoming much more productive. It is also incorporating hybrid approaches that exist in current technologies to nullify the costs
incurred on the energy required. Interestingly, engineering of microalgae to improve
lipid production and CO 2 fixation has led to developing tailored microbes
susceptible to the environment. This is an expanding area of research in WWT
operations. The data that are now accessible in scientific forums readily offers
sufficient technical knowledge that the general public is better able to understand.
Furthermore, ongoing research facilitating long-term field applications warrants
attention being paid to phycoremediation. The immediate effect of advancing
scientific knowledge and mainly microbial tailoring is likely to lead to decisive
326
J. Umamaheswari et al.