Algal-Bacterial System: A Novel Low-Cost Biotechnological Initiative in Wastewater Treatment

Integrated Approach for Carbon Sequestration and Wastewater Treatment Using Algal–Bacterial Consortia: Opportunities and Challenges

“…Cho et al [142] proved that appropriate process optimization and frequent monitoring and recycling of biomass help to maintain the desired algal-bacterial consortium. They assimilate N and P present in wastewater, resulting in increased pH value and oxygenation of organic matter and thus remove fecal coliforms from wastewaters [143].…”

“…Some of the merits and demerits of the two systems are highlighted by Soni et al [153] and given in Table 3. Some of the challenges and limitations encountered in the algal-bacterial wastewater treatment methods are: (i) expression of antagonistic effect amongst the microbes for, e.g., high pH and O 2 levels produced due to algal growth or secondary metabolites produced by algae having antibacterial activity could negatively impact bacterial population, and on the other hand, the pathogenic bacterial effect could weaken the algal cell wall leading to lysis of the cell and ultimately death; (ii) microbial sensitivity to the changing environmental and operational conditions adversely affects their growth and performance; (iii) inhibition of nitrification process, excessive filamentous bacterial population leads to bulking, and foaming; (iv) difficulty in handling and proper disposal of sludge generated in bulk quantity; and (v) inefficient microalgal harvesting systems [143].…”