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Cultivation of Microalgae and Sustainability
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Cultivation of Microalgae and Sustainability

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Environmental Sustainability and Applications".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2022) | Viewed by 21150

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Simona Carfagna

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Biology, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
Interests: plant physiology; microalgae cultivation; plant cell metabolism; mineral nutrition
Dr. Giovanna Salbitani

E-Mail
Guest Editor
Department of Biology, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
Interests: microalgae cultivation; bioactive compounds; CO2 mitigation; sulphur metabolism

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Microalgae and cyanobacteria are responsible for most of CO2 utilization and oxygen production into the earth. In aquatic systems, these microorganisms are the basis of food chain, thus representing a fundamental pillar in the sustainability of the planet. Microalgae cultivation has increased in recent decades due to the wide range of applications associated with these photosynthetic microorganisms that can be utilized as sources of biofuels, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, health, and dietary supplements. Algae have for many years been utilized as a human food supplement and feed in aquaculture hatcheries thanks to a nutritionally complete profile of amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids. In addition, microalgae represent promising biological systems for treating a variety of sources of wastewater due to their metabolic flexibility, i.e., their ability to perform photoautotrophic, mixotrophic, or heterotrophic metabolism. Additionally, some extremophilic microalgae can tolerate and even grow in highly acidic pH or extreme temperatures often found in industrial wastewater.

Microalgae can play an important role in a circular bio-economy by providing high-quality products, such as proteins, lipids, and colorants, within the biomass produced by the wastewater treatment cleaning process.

Scientific research, in recent years, has been looking for solutions to make the cultivation and use of these microorganisms as sustainable as possible from an environmental but also economic point of view for their more advantageous use.

The purpose of this Special Issue is the presentation of new and actual research results on microalgal cultivation and sustainability, aiming at the following main subject areas:

  • Sustainable utilization of resources such as water and nutrients;
  • Microalgae and sustainable production of biomolecules;
  • Microalgae and wastewater treatment;
  • System analysis methods, including life cycle assessment (LCA) and management;
  • Microalgae for mitigating carbon dioxide.

Prof. Simona Carfagna
Dr. Giovanna Salbitani
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • microalgae
  • bioproducts
  • CO2 mitigation
  • wastewater
  • LCA

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 1038 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Tolerant to CO2 Excess Microalgae for the Production of Multiple Biochemicals in a 3G Biorefinery
by Alexandros Pavlou, Giannis Penloglou and Costas Kiparissides
Sustainability 2023, 15(5), 3889; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su15053889 - 21 Feb 2023
Viewed by 1199
Abstract
To date, the positive environmental impact of microalgae-based technologies has been demonstrated in numerous studies. However, there is still a number of major technical and economic obstacles to overcome. Therefore, further research and innovation are needed for the development and commercial exploitation of [...] Read more.
To date, the positive environmental impact of microalgae-based technologies has been demonstrated in numerous studies. However, there is still a number of major technical and economic obstacles to overcome. Therefore, further research and innovation are needed for the development and commercial exploitation of large-scale integrated and sustainable processes, based on robust ‘industrial’ microalgal strains and novel photobioreactors (PBRs). Note that the advancement of intensified microalgal cultivation processes can facilitate the economically feasible co-production of microalgal biomass and value-added biochemicals. In this context, the goal of the present investigation was to compare several microalgal strains based on a set of productivity criteria, including the maximum biomass growth and the maximum concentration of total biochemicals (i.e., carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids) under CO2 excess conditions (10% v/v). It was found that the wild type strain of Stichococcus sp. fully meets the above productivity criteria. In particular, a biomass concentration of 1.68 g·L−1 and a concentration of total biochemical products of 1.4 g·L−1 were measured in batch cultivation experiments in flasks using the selected strain. Further studies were performed in two different PBRs. Cultivation in a conventional stirred tank PBR showed successful scaling of the bioprocess, whereas cultivation in an innovative tubular recirculating PBR resulted in maximization of both biomass concentration (3.66 g·L−1) and total biochemical products concentration (3.33 g·L−1). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cultivation of Microalgae and Sustainability)
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18 pages, 2242 KiB  
Article
Cultivation of Desmodesmus multivariabilis for the Treatment of Cosmetic Wastewater
by Faith M. Onyancha, Nils H. Haneklaus and Hendrik G. Brink
Sustainability 2022, 14(23), 15665; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su142315665 - 24 Nov 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1452
Abstract
The discharge of cosmetic wastewater into the wastewater treatment systems has become an environmental concern due to high concentrations of nutrients. The current study explored the phytoremediation potential of Desmodesmus multivariabilis, under mixotrophic growth, to remove total organic carbon (TOC), sulfur (TS), [...] Read more.
The discharge of cosmetic wastewater into the wastewater treatment systems has become an environmental concern due to high concentrations of nutrients. The current study explored the phytoremediation potential of Desmodesmus multivariabilis, under mixotrophic growth, to remove total organic carbon (TOC), sulfur (TS), nitrogen (TN), and phosphorus (TP) from cosmetic wastewater (CWW). The CWW was prepared using samples supplied by a local cosmetic production company (two dyes, two hair relaxers, as well as two shampoos and conditioners). The bioremediation potential of D. multivariabilis was tested under four different conditions: raw CWW with 0% CO2 in the aeration stream (i.e., atmospheric air); pre-treated CWW with 0% CO2, 2.5% CO2, and 5% CO2. Control experiments were run in parallel. Under mixotrophic growth, the microalga performed best at 5% CO2 in the pre-treated CWW where TOC, TN, TP, and TS removal of >88%, >98%, >95%, and >90% were measured, respectively. The corresponding biomass (dry weight) was >203 mg/L. Relaxers promoted growth most prominently; however, it was observed that there was significant nutrient removal even in the absence of growth in all experiments. The growth followed Liebig’s Law, displaying three distinct phases (CO2 concentration, CO2 mass transfer, and nutrient limited growth). The results demonstrated the potential for the successful bioremediation of cosmetic wastewater by D. multivariabilis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cultivation of Microalgae and Sustainability)
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8 pages, 1053 KiB  
Communication
Enhancement of Pigments Production by Nannochloropsis oculata Cells in Response to Bicarbonate Supply
by Giovanna Salbitani, Francesco Del Prete, Simona Carfagna, Giovanni Sansone and Carmela M. A. Barone
Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 11904; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su132111904 - 28 Oct 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1883
Abstract
In this study, the effects of bicarbonate addition on growth and pigment contents of the unicellular microalga Nannochloropsis oculata, were evaluated. N. oculata represents an interesting source of biomolecules widely used for food supplements and nutraceuticals. The bicarbonate was supplemented to microalgae [...] Read more.
In this study, the effects of bicarbonate addition on growth and pigment contents of the unicellular microalga Nannochloropsis oculata, were evaluated. N. oculata represents an interesting source of biomolecules widely used for food supplements and nutraceuticals. The bicarbonate was supplemented to microalgae cultures at concentrations of 0, 6, 18, 30, 42 and 60 mM. The cultures supplemented with salt at highest concentrations (42 and 60 mM) showed a significant increase in algal growth, demonstrated by the optical density spread. The intracellular content of pigments such as chlorophyll a and total carotenoids reached the highest values in cells from cultures supplied with bicarbonate. In fact, concentrations of bicarbonate from 30 to 60 mM strongly improved, for a short period of only 72 h, the cellular levels of chlorophylls and carotenoids. These are interesting pigments with commercial applications. The utilization of bicarbonate could represent an interesting sustainable opportunity to improve microalgae cultivation for cellular growth and pigment contents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cultivation of Microalgae and Sustainability)
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10 pages, 1322 KiB  
Article
Utilisation of CO2 from Sodium Bicarbonate to Produce Chlorella vulgaris Biomass in Tubular Photobioreactors for Biofuel Purposes
by Patryk Ratomski, Małgorzata Hawrot-Paw and Adam Koniuszy
Sustainability 2021, 13(16), 9118; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su13169118 - 14 Aug 2021
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2756
Abstract
Microalgae are one of the most promising sources of renewable substrates used for energy purposes. Biomass and components accumulated in their cells can be used to produce a wide range of biofuels, but the profitability of their production is still not at a [...] Read more.
Microalgae are one of the most promising sources of renewable substrates used for energy purposes. Biomass and components accumulated in their cells can be used to produce a wide range of biofuels, but the profitability of their production is still not at a sufficient level. Significant costs are generated, i.a., during the cultivation of microalgae, and are connected with providing suitable culture conditions. This study aims to evaluate the possibility of using sodium bicarbonate as an inexpensive alternative CO2 source in the culture of Chlorella vulgaris, promoting not only the increase of microalgae biomass production but also lipid accumulation. The study was carried out at technical scale using 100 L photobioreactors. Gravimetric and spectrophotometric methods were used to evaluate biomass growth. Lipid content was determined using a mixture of chloroform and methanol according to the Blight and Dyer method, while the carbon content and CO2 fixation rate were measured according to the Walkley and Black method. In batch culture, even a small addition of bicarbonate resulted in a significant (p ≤ 0.05) increase in the amount of biomass, productivity and optical density compared to non-bicarbonate cultures. At 2.0 g∙L–1, biomass content was 572 ± 4 mg·L−1, the maximum productivity was 7.0 ± 1.0 mg·L–1·d–1, and the optical density was 0.181 ± 0.00. There was also an increase in the lipid content (26 ± 4%) and the carbon content in the biomass (1322 ± 0.062 g∙dw–1), as well as a higher rate of carbon dioxide fixation (0.925 ± 0.073 g·L–1·d–1). The cultivation of microalgae in enlarged scale photobioreactors provides a significant technological challenge. The obtained results can be useful to evaluate the efficiency of biomass and valuable cellular components production in closed systems realized at industrial scale. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cultivation of Microalgae and Sustainability)
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Review

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32 pages, 2433 KiB  
Review
Biological-Based Produced Water Treatment Using Microalgae: Challenges and Efficiency
by Malak Alsarayreh, Fares Almomani, Majeda Khraisheh, Mustafa S. Nasser and Yousria Soliman
Sustainability 2022, 14(1), 499; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14010499 - 04 Jan 2022
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3432
Abstract
Produced water (PW) is the most significant waste stream generated in the oil and gas industries. The generated PW has the potential to be a useful water source rather than waste. While a variety of technologies can be used for the treatment of [...] Read more.
Produced water (PW) is the most significant waste stream generated in the oil and gas industries. The generated PW has the potential to be a useful water source rather than waste. While a variety of technologies can be used for the treatment of PW for reuse, biological-based technologies are an effective and sustainable remediation method. Specifically, microalgae, which are a cost-effective and sustainable process that use nutrients to eliminate organic pollutants from PW during the bioremediation process. In these treatment processes, microalgae grow in PW free of charge, eliminate pollutants, and generate clean water that can be recycled and reused. This helps to reduce CO2 levels in the atmosphere while simultaneously producing biofuels, other useful chemicals, and added-value products. As such, this review focuses on PW generation in the oil and gas industry, PW characteristics, and examines the available technologies that can be used for PW remediation, with specific attention to algal-based technologies. In addition, the various aspects of algae growth and cultivation in PW, the effect of growth conditions, water quality parameters, and the corresponding treatment performance are presented. Lastly, this review emphasizes the bioremediation of PW using algae and highlights how to harvest algae that can be processed to generate biofuels for added-value products as a sustainable approach. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cultivation of Microalgae and Sustainability)
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17 pages, 1189 KiB  
Review
Ammonium Utilization in Microalgae: A Sustainable Method for Wastewater Treatment
by Giovanna Salbitani and Simona Carfagna
Sustainability 2021, 13(2), 956; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su13020956 - 19 Jan 2021
Cited by 84 | Viewed by 8876
Abstract
In plant cells, ammonium is considered the most convenient nitrogen source for cell metabolism. However, despite ammonium being the preferred N form for microalgae, at higher concentrations, it can be toxic, and can cause growth inhibition. Microalgae’s tolerance to ammonium depends on the [...] Read more.
In plant cells, ammonium is considered the most convenient nitrogen source for cell metabolism. However, despite ammonium being the preferred N form for microalgae, at higher concentrations, it can be toxic, and can cause growth inhibition. Microalgae’s tolerance to ammonium depends on the species, with various taxa showing different thresholds of tolerability and symptoms of toxicity. In the environment, ammonium at high concentrations represents a dangerous pollutant. It can affect water quality, causing numerous environmental problems, including eutrophication of downstream waters. For this reason, it is important to treat wastewater and remove nutrients before discharging it into rivers, lakes, or seas. A valid and sustainable alternative to conventional treatments could be provided by microalgae, coupling the nutrient removal from wastewater with the production of valuable biomass. This review is focused on ammonium and its importance in algal nutrition, but also on its problematic presence in aquatic systems such as wastewaters. The aim of this work is to provide recent information on the exploitation of microalgae in ammonium removal and the role of ammonium in microalgae metabolism. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cultivation of Microalgae and Sustainability)
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