Bioremediation and biofuel production from chlorella sp.: A comprehensive review

Abstract

Microalgal biofuels are environmentally friendly fuels regarded as a potential alternative to fossil fuels. Algae are fast-growing photosynthetic microscopic plants compared with terrestrial ones. Microalgae exhibit an inherent potential to accumulate various metabolites inside a cell, which can be utilised for various industrial applications. Cultivation of microalgae for biofuel and high-value chemical applications is costly due to the consumption of substantial freshwater nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorous. Mass production of algal biomass in freshwaters is an impractical approach due to increasing demands in the future. Multi-application of microalgae for wastewater treatment for low-cost biomass for biofuel and high-value chemicals and bioremediation can be a viable alternative to various stipulations, such as lowering cost of nutrients, freshwater resources and energy. This chapter discusses the various types of wastewater remediation and industrial-scale bioreactors for biofuel production and wastewater remediation by microalgae Chlorella sp., respectively. In addition, the life cycle assessment of bioremediation and its future perspectives are analysed.