Role Of Algae Research Articles

A review on algae-mediated adsorption and catalytic processes for organic water pollution remediation

Wastewaters consist of organic pollutants that have environmental concerns. Wastewaters are treated by different methods, but efficient, low-cost, and sustainable techniques still need to be developed. Algae-based water pollution remediation techniques are considered to be sustainable approaches. This review exclusively discusses the facets of macro and microalgae in the treatment of organic toxicants. The current trends of algae-mediated water treatments have been discussed under adsorption and degradation methods. A focus on algae fuel cell, algae mediated activation of oxidizing agents, Fenton-like reactions, and photocatalysis was given. The need of algae-based adsorptive and catalytic materials was mentioned. The role of algae in the synthesis of catalysts which were employed in pollutant removal methods was also explained. The integrated algae-mediated water treatment techniques were also highlighted. The toxicant removal performances of different algae-based materials in the water medium were summarized. The conclusion and future prospects derived from the literature survey were described. This review will be helpful for researchers who are working in the field of sustainable water pollution remediation.

The role of algae, fungi, and insect-derived proteins and bioactive peptides in preventive and clinical nutrition.

The current global trend in the nutrition, epidemiologic and demographic transitions collectively alarms the need to pursue a sustainable protein diet that respects ecosystem and biodiversity from alternative sources, such as algae, fungi and edible insects. Then, changing the nutrition reality is extremely important to impede the global syndemic of obesity, undernutrition and climate change. This review aims to synthesize the published literature on the potential roles of alternative proteins and their derived bioactive peptides in preventive and clinical nutrition, identify research gaps and inform future research areas. Google Scholar and PubMed databases from their inception up to 30 June 2024 were searched using keywords to access pertinent articles published in English language for the review. Overall, proteins derived from algae, fungi, and edible insects are high-quality proteins as animal sources and demonstrate significant potential as a sustainable source of bioactive peptides, which are metabolically potent and have negligible adverse effects. They show promise to prevent and treat diseases associated with oxidative stress, obesity, diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease (especially hypertension), and neurodegenerative diseases. Given the abundance of algae, fungi and insect peptides performed in vitro or in vivo animals, further clinical studies are needed to fully establish their safety, efficacy and practical application in preventive and clinical nutrition. Additionally, social and behavioral change communication strategies would be important to increase health awareness of nutritional benefits and promote consumer acceptance of alternative protein sources.

Sargassum sp. as a biofertilizer: is it really a key towards sustainable agriculture for The Bahamas?

BackgroundMacroalgae blooms (Sargassum sp.) occur annually in The Bahamas due to the integration of various events related to human intercession with the roles of algae in biogeochemical cycles. These blooms are of great concern, as they are associated with many negative effects; thus, the primary aims of this study were to assess the quality of soils collected from South, Central, and North Long Island, and to determine whether Sargassum sp. can be used as a biofertilizer for soils on Long Island. A 60-day pot trial method was established to determine the efficacy of different concentrations (1%, 5%, and 10%) of Sargassum sp. as a biofertilizer on cherry tomato cultivation. Additionally, the soil quality before and after fertilizer amendment was evaluated.ResultsThe results show that Sargassum sp. increased nutrient content of the soil, specifically nitrate nitrogen and phosphorus; however, plant growth performance parameters (plant height, leaf number, bud number, flower number, and root and shoot weights) were negatively affected.ConclusionsDue to the obtained results, it is recommended that serious consideration be taken when utilizing Sargassum sp. as a biofertilizer because the pH and type of soil in Long Island, Bahamas, affects the bioavailability of the nutrients released from the algae.Graphical abstract

Alternative Sources of Natural Photosensitizers: Role of Algae in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell

In this paper, the potential of marine algae to act as sensitizers is systematically studied and presented. We aim to find a feasible financial strategy to enhance the global efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC). Algae are mainly composed of chlorophylls, carotenoids, flavonoids, and Betalains, which are essential pigments that confer unique characteristics that are required in natural sensitizers. Therefore, this review aims to unveil and understand the underlying mechanism between algae pigments and photoelectrodes and to conduct a comprehensive analysis to determine the effect of algae dye on light absorption efficiency and electron transport. The structural, morphological, optical, and electrochemical impedance properties are deeply analyzed, and we show the current opportunities for natural dyes to be used in energy technologies through DSSC. A comparison of several bibliographic sources dealing with DSSC based on algae provided a general overview of the improvements in factors such as the recombination times, the filling factor, and the Voc values. The contributions of this paper relate to the conversion efficiency and future applications in the DSSC field. Finally, this review exemplifies that the nature of the pigment affects the photophysical properties of the cell. Thus, this paper may contribute to future investigations of DSSC when choosing efficient natural dyes according to their optical and electronic properties. Therefore, this work provides the knowledge required to efficiently merge materials and dyes, in which photovoltaic energy systems’ reproducibility and scalability still represent a challenge. Lastly, this document discusses the natural pigments’ stability and the approaches to improve their chemical stability.

Waste stream valorization-based low-carbon bioeconomy utilizing algae as a biorefinery platform

The increasing population growth and rapid industrialization have caused severe pollution issues caused by the uncontrolled release of flue gas and wastewater. By employing an algal-based biorefinery platform, the resource potential of these waste streams can be fully exploited and valorized to produce value-added products, achieving waste minimization, pollution mitigation, and circular economy. This review described the role of algae in simultaneous bioremediation and resource recovery from wastewater and flue gas for the biosynthesis of valuable bio-compounds. For flue gas bioremediation and valorization, topics such as algal tolerance and strain improvement, pilot-scale applications, limitations and possible solutions, techno-economic assessment, and life-cycle analysis were discussed. Subsequently, the valorization of wastewater as low-cost feedstock for the biosynthesis of valuable products, including biofuels (biogas, bioethanol and biodiesel), proteins, polyunsaturated fatty acids and pigments, were reviewed in detail with their opportunities and challenges. Chlorella sp. And Scenedesmus sp. Have been customarily employed as platform algae for co-valorizing wastewater and flue gas due to their strong adaptability. Government policies, such as carbon tax, incentives, fundings, national research programs and others, which contribute to the development of waste streams valorization-based algal bioeconomy, were also summarized and discussed.

Role of algae in alleviated salinity effect on Jatropha curcas plants

This study was carried out at green house on National Research Centre during two successive seasons of 2020-2021 in Giza governate. The aim objective of this work was to investigate the effect of spraying different levels of algae (0, 10 and 15%) on vegetative growth and chemical constituents of Jatropha curcas L. seedlings grown under various salinity concentrations (0, 2000, 4000 and 6000 ppm). Our results showed that, spraying algae at 15% increased both of (plant height, leaves number/plant, stem diameter, root length, branches number/plant, main flowers number/plant, sub-main flowers number/plant, fresh and dry weight of stem, leaves and roots, chlorophyll a, b, a+b and carotenoids, protein contents and total carbohydrates percentage), while a significant reduction in all the same parameters, were occurred by using high salinity level (6000 ppm). The combined proline and phenols contents decreased by using 10 or 15% algae, compares of treated as the control. The results suggested that Jatropha curcas L. seedlings benefited the application of algae especially under salinity concentrations grown in sandy soil.

Role of algae in alleviated salinity effect on Jatropha curcas plants

Role of algae in alleviated salinity effect on Jatropha curcas plants

Recent Developments on the Performance of Algal Bioreactors for CO2 Removal: Focusing on the Light Intensity and Photoperiods

This work presents recent developments of algal bioreactors used for CO2 removal and the factors affecting the reactor performance. The main focus of the study is on light intensity and photoperiods. The role of algae in CO2 removal, types of algal species used in bioreactors and conventional types of bioreactors including tubular bioreactor, vertical airlift reactor, bubble column reactor, flat panel or plate reactor, stirred tank reactor and specific type bioreactors such as hollow fibre membrane and disk photobioreactors etc. are discussed in details with respect to utilization of light. The effects of light intensity, light incident, photoinhibition, light provision arrangements and photoperiod on the performance of algal bioreactors for CO2 removal are also discussed. Efficient operation of algal photobioreactors cannot be achieved without the improvement in the utilization of incident light intensity and photoperiods. The readers may find this article has a much broader significance as algae is not only limited to removal or sequestration of CO2 but also it is used in a number of commercial applications including in energy (biofuel), nutritional and food sectors.

Uvidi u dinamiku pH, varijabilnost rastvorenog kiseonika i efikasnost uklanjanja jona u biološkom sistemu sa plutajućim ostrvima

This paper aims to analyse the dynamic responses within FTW constructed on the riverbank, focusing on pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), and the dynamics of calcium and magnesium concentrations. While some research has been carried out on Ca and Mg behavior in constructed wetlands no papers specifically addressed the removal mechanisms of these ions in FTWs have been found. Results showed that both polluted and treated water exhibited characteristics consistent with a mildly alkaline environment. Extremely low DO levels in cells with floating islands were increased after water passing through cell with algae. Ca removal efficiency in cells with floating island cells ranged from 2% to 6%, while the cell with algae achieved 23% to 49% efficiency. Modest Mg removal (1-6%) could indicate potential challenges in Mg removal processes within the FTWs. The analysis of plant responses to polluted water exposure reveals species-specific variations in Ca and Mg concentrations in shoots and roots. Ca concentration in algae tissue increased over time contrasting the marked decrease of Mg content. The study also revealed a gradual decrease of Ca and Mg concentration in stone wool corresponding to exposure duration. This research contributes to a better understanding of the complex dynamics of water treatment in FTWs, emphasizing the need for continued investigation into ion removal mechanisms, plant responses to increased Ca and Mg concentrations, and the role of algae in these biological systems.

Roles of Algae in Honeycomb Weathering in Humid Climate: an Example from Danxiashan UNESCO Global Geopark of China

Roles of Algae in Honeycomb Weathering in Humid Climate: an Example from Danxiashan UNESCO Global Geopark of China

Algae: a frontline photosynthetic organism in the microplastic catastrophe.

Recalcitrancy in microplastics (MPs) contributes to white pollution. Bioremediation can remove MPs and facilitate environmental sustainability. Although recent studies have been conducted on the interaction of algae and MPs, the role of algae in MP removal with the simultaneous implementation of 'omics studies has not yet been discussed. Here, we review the adverse effects of MPs on the environment and possible approaches to remove them from the aquatic environment by using algae. We highlight the mechanism of MP biodegradation, the algal species that have been used, and how these are affected by MPs. We propose that algomics, characterization of biodegrading enzymes, and genetic engineering could be effective strategies for optimizing MP degradation.

CO2 bio-mitigation using genetically modified algae and biofuel production towards a carbon net-zero society

CO2 sequestration carried by biological methodologies shows enhanced potential and has the advantage that biomass produced from the captured CO2 can be used for different applications. Bio-mitigation of carbons through a micro-algal system addresses a promising and feasible option. This review mostly focused on the role of algae, particular mechanisms, bioreactors in algae cultivation, and genetically modified algae in CO2 fixation and energy generation systems. A combination of CO2 bio-mitigation and biofuel production might deliver an extremely promising alternative to current CO2 mitigation systems. Bio mitigation in which the excess carbon is captured and bio fixation which the carbon is captured by algae or autotrophs and used for producing biofuel. This review revealed that steps for biofuel production from algae include factors affecting, harvesting techniques, oil extraction and transesterification. This review helps environmentalists and researchers to assess the effect of algae-based biorefinery on the green environment.

Role of Algae in Built Environment and Green Cities: A Holistic approach towards Sustainability

The changing lifestyle, urbanization, and depletion of non-renewable resources to match the ever-increasing energy demand are causing a pessimistic impact on the environment. The cities are responsible for 75% of carbon emissions and about 60-80% of the energy consumption globally, causing a precarious situation because they only constitute 3% of the earth’s land. Urbanization makes the cities vulnerable due to the changing climatic conditions and possibilities of natural deserts disasters, thereby compelling the researchers to go for planning building green and resilient cities. Green cities are imperative in resisting the environmental crisis and assure a sustainable future for the upcoming generations. The pivotal role for the green cities is played by the renewable sources of energy. Therefore, solar and wind energy systems were employed, but eventually these renewable energy systems are associated with cost and pollution issues. This led to the paradigm-shifting towards algae as a third-generation feedstock and it is expected to become a potential source of green energy and environment due to the following advantages: (i) sequestration of CO2 and other greenhouse gases (GHGs), (ii) they can be easily and rapidly cultured and bioengineered, (iii) they can utilize the wastewater as a source of nutrients for its cultivation, (iv) their growth does not depend upon the geography and climate, and (v) algal biomass can be processed into biofuels (biodiesel, bioethanol, biogas etc) and other useful bioproducts (biofertilizer & biochar). This review paper incorporates the role of microalgal bioreactive façades (algae powered buildings) in the simultaneous mitigation of environment and energy production, contributing to green cities. Since the importance of Urban Green Space (UGS) is imperative for green cities, its functions and role during the critical period of the pandemic are also explained together with the efficient and viable biofoundry approach of converting algal blooms in urban water bodies to energy and useful products.

Role of Algae in Skin Benefits: An Alternative to Chemical Cosmetics

Role of Algae in Skin Benefits: An Alternative to Chemical Cosmetics

Dietary composition and fatty acid content of giant salmonflies ( Pteronarcys californica ) in two Rocky Mountain rivers

AbstractMany aquatic invertebrates are declining or facing extinction from stressors that compromise physiology, resource consumption, reproduction, and phenology. However, the influence of these common stressors specifically on consumer–resource interactions for aquatic invertebrate consumers is only beginning to be understood. We conducted a field study to investigate Pteronarcys californica (i.e., the “giant salmonfly”), a large‐bodied insect that is ecologically and culturally significant to rivers throughout the western United States. We sampled gut contents and polyunsaturated fatty acid composition of salmonflies to compare resource consumption across river (Madison or Gallatin, Montana), sex (male or female), and habitat (rock or woody debris). We found that allochthonous detritus comprised the majority of salmonfly diets in the Gallatin and Madison Rivers, making up 68% of the gut contents on average, followed by amorphous detritus, diatoms, and filamentous algae. Diets showed little variation across river, sex, or length. Minor differences in diets were detected by habitat type, with a higher proportion of diatoms in the diets of salmonflies collected from rocky habitat compared to woody debris. Fatty acid composition generally supported the results of gut content analysis but highlighted the importance of primary producers. The presence of eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n‐3) and alpha linolenic acid (18:3n‐3) indicated consumption of diatoms and filamentous green algae, respectively. Our research underscores the importance of a healthy riparian zone that provides allochthonous detritus for invertebrate nutrition as well as the role of algae as an important source of fatty acids.

Algae Bioactive Constituents and Possible Role During COVID-19 Pandemic (A review)

Nowadays, the use of natural bio-products in pharmaceuticals is gaining popularity as safe alternatives to chemicals and synthetic drugs. Algal products are offering a pure, healthy and sustainable choice for pharmaceutical applications. Algae are photosynthetic microorganisms that can survive in different environmental conditions. Algae have many outstanding properties that make them excellent candidate for use in therapeutics. Algae grow in fresh and marine waters and produce in their cells a wide range of biologically active chemical compounds. These bioactive compounds are offering a great source of highly economic bio-products. The present review discusses the phytochemical and bioactive compounds present in algae biomass and their potent biological activities. The review focuses on the use of alga in therapy and their pharmaceutical applications with special reference to the possible preventive and therapeutic role of algae against COVID-19.

The Role of Cultivated Plants of the Family Solanaceae in Agriculture

The role of algae (Solanaceae) in the agriculture of our republic is great. Potatoes and tomatoes from cultivated plants belonging to the family Solanaceae occupy large areas around the world and in our republic. The weight and quality of the product obtained from them is also high. The average yield of tomatoes in the country is 253 ts/h, the average yield of potatoes is 198 ts/h.

A review on algal-bacterial symbiotic system for effective treatment of wastewater

Industrialization, urbanization and other anthropogenic activities releases different organic and inorganic toxic chemicals into the environment which prompted the water contamination in the environment. Different physical and chemical techniques have been employed to treat the contaminated wastewater, among them biological wastewater treatment using algae has been studied extensively to overwhelm the constraints related to the usually utilized wastewater treatment techniques. The presence of bacterial biota in the wastewater will form a bond with algae and act as a natural water purification system. The removal efficiency of single algae systems was very low in contrast with that of algal-bacterial systems. Heterotrophic microorganisms separate natural organic matter that is discharged by algae as dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and discharges CO2 that the algae can take up for photosynthesis. Algae bacteria associations offer an exquisite answer for tertiary and scrape medicines because of the capacity of micro-algae to exploit inorganic compounds for their development. Furthermore, for their ability to evacuate noxious contaminants, in this way, it does not prompt optional contamination. The present review contribute the outline of algae-bacteria symbiotic relationship and their applications in the wastewater treatment. The role of algae and bacteria in the wastewater treatment have been elucidated in this review. Moreover, the efforts have been imparted the importance of alage-bacteria consortium and its applications for various pollutant removal from the environment.

Biotechnology of Water Treatment Based on Algae Cultures

In the current article, we will highlight on the role of algae in the treatment of wastewater. Algae cultures are an interesting solution to tertiary and quandary treatments because of their capacity to use inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus for their growth and to remove heavy metals, as well as some toxic organic compounds, thus, avoiding a secondary pollution. Our experiments were conducted using Chlorella algae for removing lead ions from wastewater. The wastewater treatment efficiency reached a maximum of 86.67% after 80 minutes.

In situ prepared algae-supported iron sulfide to remove hexavalent chromium.

The effects of algae on the removal of contaminant by iron sulfide (FeS) are still unknown. Chlorella vulgaris (CV), a remarkable algal specie, was used to prepare the CV-supported FeS (CV-FeS) and to investigate the role that CV plays in the removal of a heavy metal (i.e., hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) by FeS. The stabilized effect from algal extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) enhanced the reactivity of FeS due to the decrease of FeS aggregation, thus increasing Cr(VI) removal rate from 0.21 min-1 to 0.79 min-1. Furthermore, the strong buffering induced by the algal functional groups could effectively prevent the solution pH from increasing, which improved Cr(VI) removal because acidic solution facilitated Cr(VI) reduction by FeS. However, the complexing capacity from algal EPS made Fe(II) unavailable for Cr(VI) reduction, which led to 35% decrease of Cr(VI) removal. The Fe(II) was oxidized to α-FeOOH by Cr(VI) in the absence of CV, while the unreacted Fe(II) was detected as in the form of Fe(OH)2 in CV-FeS. Cr(VI) was reduced to Cr(III) and S(-II) was oxidized to elemental sulfur (S8) regardless of the CV. This work showed the different roles of algae in the removal of Cr(VI) by FeS and provided value information for the application of FeS in the polluted algae-containing water system.