The current state of algae in wastewater treatment and energy conversion: a critical review

Due to the rapid expansion of the global economy and population, there aren't enough water resources accessible for direct human consumption. Therefore, water remediation will unavoidably take center stage on a worldwide platform. The development of microalgae can be supported by several types of wastewater (WW). They might be able to clean up pollutants from industry and urban effluents. Due to its low energy requirements, microalgae's capacity to survive in various environmental circumstances, and the potential to convert WW nutrients into high-value chemicals, microalgae-based wastewater treatment (WWT) has already received attention. Recent studies have reported using microalgae to remove pharmaceutical compounds and pesticides from wastewater produced by industrial and agricultural processes and removing nutrients from wastewater from WWTs. As a result, utilizing microalgae for both wastewater treatment and biofuel production could be a cost-effective solution to these challenges. This review emphasizes recent developments in the production of microalgae for WW cleanup. Additionally, it highlights the current problems and opportunities in the emerging algae-based sector.