RT info:eu-repo/semantics/article T1 Current advances in microalgae-based treatment of high-strength wastewaters: challenges and opportunities to enhance wastewater treatment performance A1 Torres Franco, Andrés Felipe A1 Passos, Fabiana A1 Figueredo, Cleber A1 Mota, César A1 Muñoz Torre, Raúl K1 Microalgas K1 Aguas residuales K1 Microalgae-based technologies K1 23 Química K1 24 Ciencias de la Vida AB Microalgae-based technologies, usually configured as high rate algal ponds (HRAP), are efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective alternatives for wastewater treatment due to their high removal efficiencies at low energy demand, ability to recover nutrients and ease of operation. HRAPs and other photobioreactors have been intensively studied in recent years for the treatment of high-strength wastewaters, which are mainly characterised by high and unbalanced (in terms of microalgae requirements) concentrations of organic carbon and nutrients. This review critically evaluated research papers that used microalgae-based systems for the removal of carbon and nitrogen from high-strength wastewaters. These systems can provide removal efficiencies up to 100% for organic matter and ammonium nitrogen. Relatively large area requirements, high evaporative losses, ammonia inhibition, poor light penetration and scattering, carbon dioxide limitation, and unbalanced nutrient ratios rank among the main current limitations of these technologies. Optimisation strategies, including modifications in bioreactor design and operation, can broaden their full-scale application for the treatment of high strength wastewaters. PB Springer Nature SN 1569-1705 YR 2020 FD 2020 LK http://uvadoc.uva.es/handle/10324/46524 UL http://uvadoc.uva.es/handle/10324/46524 LA eng NO Reviews in Environmental Science and Bio/Technology, 2020, vol. 20, n. 1, p. 209-235 NO Producción Científica DS UVaDOC RD 24-nov-2024