The application of magical microalgae in carbon sequestration and emission reduction: Removal mechanisms and potential analysis

Abstract

Global climate change caused by greenhouse gas emissions from human eco-unfriendly activities has brought unprecedented risks to natural systems and human beings. Therefore, the development of environmentally friendly carbon sequestration and emission reduction technologies is essential to mitigate climate change. Compared with traditional carbon sequestration technologies, microalgae carbon sequestration technology has a comprehensive application prospect as an environmentally friendly, economical, and efficient carbon sequestration method. Based on the current status of microalgae research and application, this review focuses on the intrinsic mechanism of microalgae carbon sequestration and emission reduction as well as the influencing factors of microalgae cultivation and growth and further explores the potential of microalgae carbon sequestration and emission reduction and its application in terms of carbon sequestration and emission reduction efficiency, economic feasibility and practical application. To solve the current challenges of microalgae carbon sequestration and emission reduction applications, it is proposed that the anti-pollution ability and carbon sequestration efficiency of microalgae can be improved through genetic engineering and the construction of suitable microalgae cultivation systems, combined with the wastewater and waste gas treatment and microalgae multi-product biorefinery to reduce the energy inputs and greenhouse gas emissions. Future microalgae cultivation and production can be sustainable and profitable by optimizing cultivation technologies and industrial process options to meet environmental goals. This review provides an alternative sustainable and economically viable carbon sequestration pathway for mitigating global climate change.