Title: Microalgae-Based Processes for the Removal of Pharmaceuticals in Wastewater
Abstract: Microalgae-based technologies deliver economic and effective treatment for municipal and industrial effluents while also providing capacity for nutrient recovery and the development of algae-derived products. In order to assess the potential of microalgae-based technologies for the removal of pharmaceuticals (PhACs) found in wastewater effluents, this chapter aims to (1) introduce microalgae and their ecological significance; (2) describe the principle of pollutant removal in microalgae-based systems; (3) review the general mechanisms of pharmaceutical removal occurring during wastewater treatment and discuss their potential significance in microalgae-based systems; (4) describe the main photobioreactors used for microalgae-based wastewater treatment; and (5) summarize recent progress on microalgae-based PhACs removal with particular focus on efficiency and mechanisms at pilot and full-scale systems. Overall, the data available demonstrate microalgae based-systems providing capacities for PhACs removal via biodegradation, biosorption and bioaccumulation that are similar or higher than the capacities commonly reported during conventional biological treatment. In addition, microalgae-based wastewater system also provides the capacity for pollutant photodegradation and volatilization. Full-scale demonstration during long-term treatment remains needed.
Publication Year: 2020
Publication Date: 2020-01-01
Language: en
Type: book-chapter
Indexed In: ['crossref']
Access and Citation
Cited By Count: 6
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