Palm oil mill effluent treatment and CO2 sequestration by using microalgae—sustainable strategies for environmental protection

• Published in: Environmental science and pollution research international 2017-09, Vol.24 (25), p.20209-20240
• Main Authors: Hariz, Harizah Bajunaid, Takriff, Mohd Sobri
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Algae; Anaerobic processes; Anaerobic treatment; Aquatic microorganisms; Aquatic Pollution; Atmospheric Protection/Air Quality Control/Air Pollution; Biological activity; Biological treatment; Carbon dioxide; Carbon dioxide fixation; Carbon sequestration; Climate change; Cultivation; Earth and Environmental Science; Ecotoxicology; Effluent treatment; Effluents; Emissions control; Environment; Environmental Chemistry; Environmental Health; Environmental protection; Environmental science; Flue gas; Global warming; Globalization; Greenhouse effect; Greenhouse gases; Indigenous species; Industrial plants; Methane; Microalgae; Natural gas; Nutrients; Operating costs; Palm oil; Photosynthesis; Remediation; Review Article; Waste Water Technology; Wastewater treatment; Water Management; Water Pollution Control
• ISSN: 0944-1344; 1614-7499
• DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-9742-6

In this era of globalization, various products and technologies are being developed by the industries. While resources and energy are utilized from processes, wastes are being excreted through water streams, air, and ground. Without realizing it, environmental pollutions increase as the country develops. Effective technology is desired to create green factories that are able to overcome these issues. Wastewater is classified as the water coming from domestic or industrial sources. Wastewater treatment includes physical, chemical, and biological treatment processes. Aerobic and anaerobic processes are utilized in biological treatment approach. However, the current biological approaches emit greenhouse gases (GHGs), methane, and carbon dioxide that contribute to global warming. Microalgae can be the alternative to treating wastewater as it is able to consume nutrients from wastewater loading and fix CO 2 as it undergoes photosynthesis. The utilization of microalgae in the system will directly reduce GHG emissions with low operating cost within a short period of time. The aim of this review is to discuss the uses of native microalgae species in palm oil mill effluent (POME) and flue gas remediation. In addition, the discussion on the optimal microalgae cultivation parameter selection is included as this is significant for effective microalgae-based treatment operations.