Potential of biogenic and non-biogenic waste materials as flocculant for algal biomass harvesting: Mechanism, parameters, challenges and future prospects

Har Mohan Singh; Mriduta Sharma; V V Tyagi; Kajol Goria; D Buddhi; Atul Sharma; Frank Bruno; Shane Sheoran; Richa Kothari

doi:10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.117591

Potential of biogenic and non-biogenic waste materials as flocculant for algal biomass harvesting: Mechanism, parameters, challenges and future prospects

J Environ Manage. 2023 Jul 1:337:117591. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.117591. Epub 2023 Mar 28.

Authors

Har Mohan Singh¹, Mriduta Sharma¹, V V Tyagi², Kajol Goria³, D Buddhi⁴, Atul Sharma⁵, Frank Bruno⁶, Shane Sheoran⁶, Richa Kothari⁷

Affiliations

¹ School of Energy Management, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra, J&K, 182320, India.
² School of Energy Management, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra, J&K, 182320, India. Electronic address: v.tyagi@smvdu.ac.in.
³ Department of Environmental Sciences, Central University of Jammu, Rahya Suchani, (Bagla) Samba, J&K, 181143, India.
⁴ Uttaranchal Institute of Technology, Uttaranchal University, Uttarakhand, 248007, Dehradun, India.
⁵ Non-Conventional Energy Laboratory, Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology, Jais, Amethi, UP, India.
⁶ Future Industries Institute, Mawson Lakes Campus, University of South Australia, Australia.
⁷ Department of Environmental Sciences, Central University of Jammu, Rahya Suchani, (Bagla) Samba, J&K, 181143, India. Electronic address: kothariricha21@gmail.com.

PMID: 36996549
DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.117591

Abstract

In this review article, waste materials (biogenic/non-biogenic) are focused as the flocculants for harvesting of algal biomass. Chemical flocculants are widely utilized for the effective harvesting of algal biomass at a commercial scale while the high cost is a major drawback. The waste materials-based flocculants (WMBF) are started to utilize as one of the cost-effective performance for dual benefits of waste minimization and reuse for sustainable recovery of biomass. The novelty of the article is articulated with the objective that presents an insight of WMBF, classification of WMBF, preparation methods of WMBF, mechanisms of flocculation, factors affecting flocculation-mechanism, challenges and future recommendations that are required for harvesting of algae. The WMBF are shown similar flocculation mechanisms and flocculation efficiencies as chemical flocculants. Thus, the utilization of waste material for the flocculation process of algal cells minimizes the waste load into the environment and transforms the waste materials into valuable resources.

Keywords: Algal biomass; Flocculants; Flocculation-mechanism; Waste materials.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Biomass
Flocculation
Microalgae*