review · Environmental Science and Pollution Research
Microalgae offer versatile solutions to global sustainability challenges across multiple sectors. These organisms support food and animal feed production, biofuels, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and environmental remediation. Due to rapid growth rates and an ability to thrive in extreme conditions, microalgae are well suited for large-scale cultivation. Key environmental applications include carbon sequestration, wastewater purification, and clean energy generation, while nutritional applications help combat malnutrition. Emerging innovations include algae-based bioplastics and dye-sensitised solar cells. By simultaneously addressing climate change, resource scarcity, and economic development, microalgae align with over half of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Incorporating these organisms into industrial processes reinforces circular economy principles, balancing environmental preservation with human resource requirements.
Finding renewable resources that address food security, energy shortages, and pollution simultaneously is critical for global sustainability. Microalgae provide an adaptable biological platform that can capture carbon, clean wastewater, and produce high-value goods like clean fuels and nutritional products, demonstrating how circular biological solutions can simultaneously tackle climate change and industrial demands.
Microalgae present cross-sector commercial opportunities for energy producers, agribusinesses, pharmaceutical firms, and municipal wastewater operators. Applications span established areas such as feeds and environmental remediation, alongside early-stage concepts like bioplastics and dye-sensitised solar cells. While microalgae are highlighted as viable for large-scale cultivation, the abstract provides a broad overview of industrial applications rather than evaluating specific commercial readiness levels or market entry timelines.
AI-generated from the published abstract. Always read the original work before citing.
This study explores the remarkable potential of algae in addressing global sustainability challenges. Microalgae, in particular, emerge as sustainability champions. Their applications span an impressive array of industries and processes, including food and feed production, biofuels, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and environmental remediation. This versatility positions algae as key players in achieving over 50% of UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) simultaneously, addressing issues such as climate action, clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, and zero hunger. From sequestering carbon, purifying wastewater, and producing clean energy to combating malnutrition, algae demonstrates unparalleled potential. Their ability to flourish in extreme conditions and their rapid growth rates further enhance their appeal for large-scale cultivation. As research advances, innovative applications continue to emerge, such as algae-based bioplastics and dye-sensitized solar cells, promising novel solutions to pressing global issues. This study illuminates how harnessing the power of algae can drive us towards a more resilient, sustainable world. By leveraging algae's multifaceted capabilities, we can tackle climate change, resource scarcity, and economic development concurrently. The research highlights the critical role of algae in promoting circular economy principles and achieving a harmonious balance between human needs and environmental preservation, paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future.
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DOI: 10.1007/s11356-025-35885-8
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