Microalgae as a promising candidate for fighting climate change and biodiversity loss

Abstract

The modern world is confronted with the pressing challenges of reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions as the leading promoter of climate change while also addressing the energy and food crisis. Microalgae, being photosynthetic organisms, possess the unique ability to utilize solar energy for the conversion of CO2 into organic matter. Their ability to remove CO2 from the atmosphere proves advantageous in mitigating climate change. Algae have demonstrated effectiveness in wastewater treatment (WWT) by removing pollutants. In agriculture, microalgae offer a green alternative to chemical fertilizers, benefiting crop growth. The ease and cost-effectiveness of sampling and culturing microalgae contribute to their popularity. This chapter examines the sustainable applications of microalgae, including WWT, bioproduct recovery, bioremediation, energy production, agriculture, and biodiversity conservation. The examination of the growing global microalgae market, particularly in relation to biotechnological applications, was also reviewed as an indicator of the immense potential offered by microalgae.