Microalgae at the interface of aquaculture and circular bioeconomy
Published in Bioengineering & Biotechnology and Ecology & Evolution
Aquaculture continues to expand globally, bringing increasing attention to how its environmental footprint can be managed. Recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) are often presented as a step forward, yet they still generate CO₂-rich off-gases and nutrient-containing effluents that require handling. These streams are commonly treated as by-products. The study highlighted here, part of the Topical Collection Algal Biotechnology in Wasterwater Treatment, takes a different approach, asking how they might instead be used as inputs for another form of biological production.
The work focuses on Haematococcus pluvialis, a microalga widely studied for its ability to accumulate astaxanthin, a carotenoid with established applications in aquaculture feed, nutraceuticals and beyond. Rather than relying on conventional cultivation media, the authors examine the feasibility of using RAS-derived CO₂ and nutrient flows. This creates a direct connection between two systems that are usually treated separately, linking fish production with microalgal biotechnology.
One aspect of the study is how these alternative inputs influence algal growth and pigment formation. Cultivation conditions are known to shape both biomass productivity and metabolic pathways in microalgae, and H. pluvialis is particularly sensitive to environmental cues when shifting toward astaxanthin accumulation. By working with real effluent streams rather than synthetic media, the study provides insight into how such variability can be managed in applied settings.
Circular bioeconomy
The broader context is the development of circular bioeconomy concepts within aquatic production. Microalgae have long been considered useful for nutrient capture and carbon fixation, with the additional advantage of producing compounds of commercial interest. Integrating them into aquaculture systems offers a way to recover value while addressing environmental concerns, although practical implementation requires careful alignment of biological and engineering parameters.
There are also constraints to consider. Effluent composition can fluctuate, and maintaining consistent productivity under such conditions remains a challenge. Scaling integrated systems introduces further complexity, particularly when balancing the needs of fish culture and algal growth. The study therefore contributes not only by demonstrating feasibility, but also by pointing to areas where further work is needed.
Taken together, the findings add to a growing conversation about how different forms of biomass production can be coupled more closely. Rather than treating waste and production as separate problems, approaches like this suggest a more interconnected perspective. For researchers working in algal biotechnology, aquaculture, or environmental engineering, this intersection continues to open new questions about efficiency, design, and long-term viability.
if you want to see more articles on this topic, visit the Collection: Algal Biotechnology in Wasterwater Treatment of the Journal of Applied Phycology. Submissions are open.
Text and image were created with the assistance of AI.
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Journal of Applied Phycology
The Journal of Applied Phycology focuses on the rapidly expanding subject of the commercial use of algae.
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Algal Biostimulants and Biofertilizers
Algae have been increasingly explored as a viable source of biostimulants and biofertilizers in agriculture. In recent years, several studies have shown that algal and cyanobacterial extracts as well as biomasses can perform better than conventional products and are more environmentally friendly.
Algal biostimulants are designed to stimulate the growth of crops and improve their overall health. They can be used to enhance nutrient uptake, increase tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses, and improve quality traits. Algal and cyanobacterial biofertilizers can be used to improve soil fertility, increase crop yields, and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers. They can also help to reduce soil erosion, increase water retention, and reduce water and soil pollution.
We believe that the Phycology community can offer a promising route to help agriculture achieve its greatest challenges in this century: sustainability and food security in a climate changing world.
Seaweed, microalgae, and cyanobacteria researchers are all invited to submit to this Topical Collection. Here we aim to showcase high quality research focusing on agricultural applications, including the role of algal biostimulants in seaweed aquaculture.
Topical areas include but are not limited to:
- Extraction, treatment, production, and application processes.
- Effects on seed germination, crop growth and yield, biochemical properties, tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses, heavy metals accumulation, post-harvest quality etc
- Use of algae compounds (e.g., polysaccharides, proteins) in combination with conventional products (e.g., coating, nanoparticles) to enhance crop productivity under normal and stressful conditions.
Articles on this topic published in the journal from January 2022 to March 2023 were retrospectively added to this Collection.
All submissions will be handled by the journal editorial board, peer reviewed as usual and final decisions made by the Editor-in-Chief. Manuscripts should be prepared according to the journal submission guidelines.
IMPORTANT: Please do not forget to select this collection when submitting your manuscript.
Publishing Model: Hybrid
Deadline: Ongoing
Algal Biotechnology in Wastewater Treatment: Challenges, Advances, and Opportunities
Although algae have been used in wastewater treatment for decades, recent advances in algal biotechnology and treatment technologies have opened new opportunities for sustainable environmental management.
Both microalgae and macroalgae offer significant advantages for wastewater remediation. These systems can efficiently remove nutrients, heavy metals, and emerging contaminants, enabling water reuse or environmentally safe discharge. At the same time, they generate valuable biomass that can be utilized in a wide range of applications, including agriculture, biofuels, bioplastics, animal feed, and other bio-based products.
As global challenges related to water scarcity, pollution, and climate change continue to intensify, the need for innovative, environmentally sustainable, economically viable, and scalable wastewater treatment solutions has never been greater.
Despite their considerable potential, several challenges must be addressed to facilitate the large-scale implementation of algal treatment systems. These include enhancing nutrient uptake efficiency, managing microbial interactions, maintaining system stability under fluctuating environmental conditions, improving biomass harvesting processes, and integrating algal technologies into existing treatment infrastructure. In addition, economic feasibility and evolving regulatory frameworks remain key factors influencing adoption.
This Topical Collection aims to bring together cutting-edge research that addresses these challenges and advances the development and application of algae-based wastewater treatment technologies. We welcome submissions on topics including, but not limited to:
- Algal species selection and cultivation strategies for wastewater treatment
- Nutrient removal and recovery from wastewater streams using microalgae and macroalgae
- Integration of algal systems with conventional wastewater treatment technologies
- Photobioreactor design and optimization for wastewater applications
- Algae-bacteria-fungi consortia and microbial interactions in treatment systems
- Life cycle assessment and techno-economic analysis of algae-based treatment systems, including pathways toward commercial-scale implementation
- Metabolic engineering and genetic modification of algae for enhanced pollutant removal
- Use of urban, industrial, and agricultural wastewaters for algal biomass production
- Utilization and valorization of wastewater-grown algal biomass
- Circular economy approaches involving algae and wastewater reuse
- Policy, regulatory, and societal aspects of algae-based wastewater treatment
- Case studies spanning pilot-scale to commercial-scale implementation of algal treatment systems
- Advances in monitoring, automation, artificial intelligence, and process control for algal treatment technologies
All submissions will be handled by the journal's Editorial Board, undergo standard peer review, and receive a final decision from the Editor-in-Chief.
Manuscripts should be prepared in accordance with the journal submission guidelines.
Important: When submitting your manuscript, please ensure that this Topical Collection is selected during the submission process.
Publishing Model: Hybrid
Deadline: Ongoing
