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Microalgae as Bio-fertilizer: a New Strategy for Advancing Modern Agriculture, Wastewater Bioremediation, and Atmospheric Carbon Mitigation

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Abstract

In this review article, recent contributions of potential uses of microalgae (green and cyanobacteria) in the agricultural and livestock sector, such as in the production of biofertilizers, biostimulants, and soil conditioning, are presented and discussed. Recent research was compiled to provide information on the productivity in microalgae biomass, dry biomass, and percentages of proteins from microalgae biomass, in addition to the definition of the best models of photobioreactors available for the cultivation of over thirty microalgae species. Ideal cultivation conditions, including the use of seven types of wastewaters as a substrate, are presented to show readers the best production routes for this specific type of biomass. Information on improvements in environmental services provided by microalgae cultivation are also included, such as bioremediation of wastewater and recovery of resources, in addition to the biofixation of CO2, which serves to mitigate air pollution. The bioremediation potential of mixotrophic, heterotrophic, and photoautotrophic microalgae cultures is demonstrated in the average removals of COD (71.1%), BOD5 (78.2%), NH4+ (93.4%), and P (88.5%) found according to the cited articles. Comparisons between the performance of biomass versus conventional fertilizers are discussed critically and objectively, based on the results of experiments with more than ten crop plants. Furthermore, to fulfill the purpose of this mini review, the research needs for future advancements of modern agriculture using microalgae are highlighted, including assessments on different soil types, plants, and microalgae biomass application methods. Finally, the challenges faced by microalgae biotechnology in expanding its contribution to the bioeconomy are also evaluated, namely, reducing pressure on natural resources, providing innovative agriculture, less dependent on energy inputs, and contributing to the sustainability of the planet.

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Data Availability

The authors declare that all data supporting the fndings of this study are available within the article and from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

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Acknowledgements

This study was financed in part by the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel-Brasil (CAPES)—scholarship funding, and funding agency: FAPERJ processes nº E-26/210.807/2021.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Post-Graduate Program in Agricultural and Environmental Engineering - Institute of Technology, / Engineering Department, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Campus Seropédica, Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 23897-000, Brazil

    Laiza Santos Dagnaisser, Marcela Granato Barbosa dos Santos, Amanda Vieira Santa Rita, Daniel Fonseca de Carvalho & Henrique Vieira de Mendonça

  2. Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, 116 St & 85 Ave, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2R3, Canada

    Jéssica Chaves Cardoso

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  1. Laiza Santos Dagnaisser
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  2. Marcela Granato Barbosa dos Santos
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Dagnaisser, L.S., dos Santos, M.G.B., Rita, A.V.S. et al. Microalgae as Bio-fertilizer: a New Strategy for Advancing Modern Agriculture, Wastewater Bioremediation, and Atmospheric Carbon Mitigation. Water Air Soil Pollut 233, 477 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-022-05917-x

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