Pollution prevention and waste phycoremediation by algal-based wastewater treatment technologies: The applications of high-rate algal ponds (HRAPs) and algal turf scrubber (ATS)

Yoong Kit Leong, Chi Yu Huang, Jo Shu Chang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

60 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Following the escalating human population growth and rapid urbanization, the tremendous amount of urban and industrial waste released leads to a series of critical issues such as health issues, climate change, water crisis, and pollution problems. With the advantages of a favorable carbon life cycle, high photosynthetic efficiencies, and being adaptive to harsh environments, algae have attracted attention as an excellent agent for pollution prevention and waste phycoremediation. Following the concept of circular economy and biorefinery for sustainable production and waste minimization, this review discusses the role of four different algal-based wastewater treatment technologies, including high-rate algal ponds (HRAPs), HRAP-absorption column (HRAP-AC), hybrid algal biofilm-enhanced raceway pond (HABERP) and algal turf scrubber (ATS) in waste management and resource recovery. In addition to the nutrient removal mechanisms and operation parameters, recent advances and developments have been discussed for each technology, including (1) Innovative operation strategies and treatment of emerging contaminants (ECs) employing HRAPs, (2) Biogas upgrading utilizing HRAP-AC system and approaches of O2 minimization in biomethane, (3) Operation of different HABERP systems, (4) Life-cycle and cost analysis of HRAPs-based wastewater treatment system, and (5) Value-upgrading for harvested algal biomass and life-cycle cost analysis of ATS system.

Original languageEnglish
Article number113193
JournalJournal of Environmental Management
Volume296
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2021 Oct 15

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Environmental Engineering
  • Waste Management and Disposal
  • Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Pollution prevention and waste phycoremediation by algal-based wastewater treatment technologies: The applications of high-rate algal ponds (HRAPs) and algal turf scrubber (ATS)'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this