INTEGRATED APPROACH OF PHYCOREMEDIATION IN WASTEWATER TREATMENT: AN INSIGHT

Abstract

Even after secondary treatment, wastewater has a high convergence of nutrients, which frequently causes eutrophication and different destructive impacts on biological systems. Wastewater treatment is a critical activity that must be considered necessary for the improvement of society. The secondary contamination of sludge formation and disposal also makes the treatment difficult. The vitality and financial amount required for tertiary treatment of wastewater remain an issue for local bodies, limiting its use for treatment. Hence, to address most of the challenges of sewage treatment, an algal-based system can be more affordable and biologically secure with the additional advantages of asset recuperation and reusing. Phycoremediation system even eliminates the need for tertiary treatment. The paper illustrates the benefits and challenges of phycoremediation, with some recent studies on microalgae as a wastewater treatment alternative along with the factors affecting the wastewater treatment through microalgae. The in-depth knowledge of the microalgal treatment in every aspect could result in an advancement to the conventional treatment process if applied in the field.