Potential of Utilizing Microalgae Grown in Wastewater Within the Agriculture Industry

The agriculture industry is significantly contributing to climate change worldwide, and therefore it is critical to work toward sustainable solutions to mitigate these impacts. One innovative solution is the utilization of microalgae. Microalgae can sequester CO_2, take up nutrients from wastewater, and generate bioproducts such as biofertilizer and biostimulants - which can then be utilized within the agriculture industry. This research, conducted as a literature review, specifically explores the potential of utilizing microalgae grown in wastewater within the agriculture industry. The supervisor for this research project is Professor D. Grant Allen. 

From an environmental standpoint, this process has the potential to reduce GHG emissions, uptake nutrients from wastewater, reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers, and improve plant growth along with soil quality. Various types of microalgae and wastewater can be utilized for this process - with the most promising wastewater being food industry and aquaculture wastewater/effluent. Socially, there is a concern regarding the heavy metals that can be present in various wastewaters, although, utilizing food industry wastewater might be able to mitigate this concern. This process can also be costly, but there is potential to generate profit from the bioproducts - which can include biofertilizer or biostimulants. Furthermore, moving forward, it is critical that more full-scale studies are conducted, and this entire process is optimized. 

Ultimately, the process of growing microalgae in wastewater to produce bioproducts for the agriculture industry, can have the potential to align with various Sustainable Development Goals, integrate within the circular bioeconomy, and work toward a more sustainable future. 

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