NABIA - New Approach to Bioremediation using Algae

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Publication . Santos, Bruna; Freitas, Filomena; Sobral, Abílio J.F.N.; Encarnação, Telma; UCIBIO - Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit; Taylor & Francis

The growing environmental crises demands an urgent transition from a linear to a circular economy. Microalgae are photosynthetic microorganisms that offer exceptional potential due to their rapid growth, high CO₂ fixation capacity, and ability to remove nutrients and pollutants from wastewater, producing both clean water and valuable biomass. Such characteristics have attracted interest in developing circular systems that transform wastes into resources such as biomaterials, biofertilisers, biofuels and bioactive compounds. However, various challenges hinder their industrial application, including technical, economic, environmental, commercial and political barriers. Technical limitations such as inefficient culture systems, low productivity and contamination risks, can be addressed by using genetic engineering tools to develop superior strains, and by developing bioreactors coupled with emerging technologies (AI, Digital Twin). Additionally, it was found that studies using wastewater for microalgae cultivation and a biorefinery approach to recover low and high value bioproducts were found to be energetically, environmentally and economically viable. Several projects and studies demonstrating microalgae-based circular economy models were highlighted. Finally, the implementation of clear regulations and guidelines for wastewater composition in microalgae systems is recommended to facilitate market acceptance and consumer trust in microalgae-derived products.

2025-05-14Recensão

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Entidade financiadora

Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia

Programa de financiamento

Concurso para Financiamento de Projetos de Investigação Científica e Desenvolvimento Tecnológico em Todos os Domínios Científicos - 2020

Número da atribuição

PTDC/BTA-GES/2740/2020