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Optimization of Forward Osmotic Dewatering on Resource Utilization of Microalgae: A Review

Author

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  • Shengfei Zhang

    (School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Wenhui An

    (School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Runshan Li

    (School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China)

  • Xu Zhang

    (School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China)

  • Haiyu Ge

    (School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, West Anhui University, Lu’an 237012, China)

  • Hongbo Liu

    (School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China)

Abstract

Microalgae have attracted wide attention due to their extensive application potential. Dewatering is a necessary work for the application of microalgae, especially in biofuel production, where forward osmosis (FO) research is relatively advanced but still faces technical bottlenecks hindering large-scale commercialization. Based on the current research in recent years, the research progress in the causes and control of membrane fouling, the development of membrane materials and optimization of membrane structure, and the energy saving and efficiency of the process are reviewed in this paper. We found that different species of algae have direct effects on membrane fouling. Chlorella vulgaris has a low membrane fouling trend, but the mechanisms of fouling need further investigation. The material development and structure optimization of membranes are the main research methods to reduce membrane fouling, but there are still some defects, such as complicated preparation and low water flux, which are difficult to apply on a large scale. The research progress of reducing costs by using seawater, urine, fertilizer, etc. as new draw solutions (DS) is reviewed. At present, many aspects of FO microalgae dewatering technology are still not well understood, and future research should focus on scaling up the existing technologies.

Suggested Citation

  • Shengfei Zhang & Wenhui An & Runshan Li & Xu Zhang & Haiyu Ge & Hongbo Liu, 2025. "Optimization of Forward Osmotic Dewatering on Resource Utilization of Microalgae: A Review," Clean Technol., MDPI, vol. 7(1), pages 1-20, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jcltec:v:7:y:2025:i:1:p:10-:d:1577661
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Zhang, Yi & Kong, Xiaoying & Wang, Zhongming & Sun, Yongming & Zhu, Shunni & Li, Lianhua & Lv, Pengmei, 2018. "Optimization of enzymatic hydrolysis for effective lipid extraction from microalgae Scenedesmus sp," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 125(C), pages 1049-1057.
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