Abstract
One of the challenges of microalgae biotechnology is the cost of growth media nutrients, with microalgae consuming enormous quantities of fertilisers, more than other oil crops. The traditional use of synthetic fertilisers in mass cultivation of microalgae is associated with rising prices of crude oil and competition from traditional agriculture. The fact that fish farm wastewater (FFW) nutrients are released in the form preferred by microalgae (NH3 for nitrogen and PO4-3 for phosphate), and the ability of microalgae to use nitrogen from different sources, can be exploited by using fish farm effluent rich in nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) in the cultivation of cheaper microalgae biomass for production of biodiesel. The cultivation of algae biomass in FFW will also serve as wastewater treatment. We reviewed the benefits and potential of fish effluent in algae cultivation for the production of biodiesel. Microalgae can utilise nutrients in FFW for different applications desirable for the production of biomass, including the accumulation of lipids, and produce a fuel with desirable properties. Also, treating wastewater and reducing demand for fresh water are advantageous. The high lipid content and comparable biodiesel properties of Chlorella sorokiniana and Scenedesmus obliquus make both species viable for FFW cultivation for biodiesel production.
 Significance:
 
 The cost associated with microalgae growth media nutrients can be saved by using fish farm wastewater, which contains nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) suitable for microalgae cultivation.
 Fish farm wastewater has lower nutrient concentrations when compared to standard growth media suitable for higher lipid accumulation.
 Microalgae used as a biodiesel feedstock, cultivated in fish farm wastewater, has added benefits, including wastewater treatment.
Highlights
The ability of microalgae to adapt in a diverse environment is reflected in the patterns of lipids produced as well as their ability to synthesise various unusual compounds.[1]
It is possible to find examples of microalgae that are fast growing and have a high lipid accumulation, e.g. Nannochloropsis oculata and Chlorella vulgaris (Table 1), and that have been used for biodiesel production.[5]
The highest biomass yield of 2.96 g/L and biomass productivity of 160.96 mg/L/d were obtained in Ankistrodesmus falcatus – cultivated in fish farm wastewater (FFW) with 5.32 mg/L ammonia, 40.67 mg/L nitrate and 8.82 mg/L phosphorus – are lower than the biomass yield and productivity obtained in the same species cultivated in standard growth media.[104]
Summary
The ability of microalgae to adapt in a diverse environment is reflected in the patterns of lipids produced as well as their ability to synthesise various unusual compounds.[1].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
