IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jsusta/v13y2021i6p3247-d517621.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Microalgae Cultivation in Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) Treatment and Biofuel Production

Author

Listed:
  • Sze Shin Low

    (Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Semenyih 43500, Malaysia)

  • Kien Xiang Bong

    (Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Semenyih 43500, Malaysia)

  • Muhammad Mubashir

    (Department of Petroleum Engineering, School of Engineering, Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia)

  • Chin Kui Cheng

    (Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi 127788, United Arab Emirates)

  • Man Kee Lam

    (HICoE-Centre for Biofuel and Biochemical Research, Institute of Self-Sustainable Building, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, Seri Iskandar 32610, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia
    Department of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, Seri Iskandar 32610, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia)

  • Jun Wei Lim

    (HICoE-Centre for Biofuel and Biochemical Research, Institute of Self-Sustainable Building, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, Seri Iskandar 32610, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia
    Department of Fundamental and Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, Seri Iskandar 32610, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia)

  • Yeek Chia Ho

    (Centre of Urban Resource Sustainability, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Institute of Self-Sustainable Building, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, Seri Iskandar 32610, Malaysia)

  • Keat Teong Lee

    (Engineering Campus, School of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Nibong Tebal 14300, Malaysia)

  • Heli Siti Halimatul Munawaroh

    (Chemistry Program, Department of Chemistry Education, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia Bandung-Indonesia, Jawa Barat 40154, Indonesia)

  • Pau Loke Show

    (Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Semenyih 43500, Malaysia)

Abstract

Palm oil mill effluent (POME) is the wastewater produced during the palm oil sterilization process, which contains substantial amounts of nutrients and phosphorous that are harmful to the environment. High BOD and COD of POME are as high as 100,000 mg/L, which endanger the environment. Effective pre-treatment of POME is required before disposal. As microalgae have the ability of biosorption on nutrients and phosphorous to perform photosynthesis, they can be utilized as a sustainable POME treatment operation, which contributes to effective biofuel production. Microalgae species C. pyrenoidosa has shown to achieve 68% lipid production along with 71% nutrient reduction in POME. In this study, a brief discussion about the impacts of POME that will affect the environment is presented. Additionally, the potential of microalgae in treating POME is evaluated along with its benefits. Furthermore, the condition of microalgae growth in the POME is also assessed to study the suitable condition for microalgae to be cultivated in. Moreover, experimental studies on characteristics and performance of microalgae are being evaluated for their feasibility. One of the profitable applications of POME treatment using microalgae is biofuel production, which will be discussed in this review. However, with the advantages brought from cultivating microalgae in POME, there are also some concerns, as microalgae will cause pollution if they are not handled well, as discussed in the last section of this paper.

Suggested Citation

  • Sze Shin Low & Kien Xiang Bong & Muhammad Mubashir & Chin Kui Cheng & Man Kee Lam & Jun Wei Lim & Yeek Chia Ho & Keat Teong Lee & Heli Siti Halimatul Munawaroh & Pau Loke Show, 2021. "Microalgae Cultivation in Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) Treatment and Biofuel Production," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(6), pages 1-17, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:6:p:3247-:d:517621
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/13/6/3247/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/13/6/3247/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Najeeha Mohd Apandi & Mimi Suliza Muhamad & Radin Maya Saphira Radin Mohamed & Norshuhaila Mohamed Sunar & Adel Al-Gheethi & Paran Gani & Fahmi A. Rahman, 2021. "Optimizing of Microalgae Scenedesmus sp. Biomass Production in Wet Market Wastewater Using Response Surface Methodology," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(4), pages 1-19, February.
    2. Thi Dong Phuong Nguyen & Duc Huy Nguyen & Jun Wei Lim & Chih-Kai Chang & Hui Yi Leong & Thi Ngoc Thu Tran & Thi Bich Hau Vu & Thi Trung Chinh Nguyen & Pau Loke Show, 2019. "Investigation of the Relationship between Bacteria Growth and Lipid Production Cultivating of Microalgae Chlorella Vulgaris in Seafood Wastewater," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(12), pages 1-12, June.
    3. Ahmad, Ashfaq & Buang, Azizul & Bhat, A.H., 2016. "Renewable and sustainable bioenergy production from microalgal co-cultivation with palm oil mill effluent (POME): A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 65(C), pages 214-234.
    4. Marcin Dębowski & Marcin Zieliński & Joanna Kazimierowicz & Natalia Kujawska & Szymon Talbierz, 2020. "Microalgae Cultivation Technologies as an Opportunity for Bioenergetic System Development—Advantages and Limitations," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(23), pages 1-37, November.
    5. Darvehei, Pooya & Bahri, Parisa A. & Moheimani, Navid R., 2018. "Model development for the growth of microalgae: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 97(C), pages 233-258.
    6. Donghan Kang & Keug Tae Kim & Tae-Young Heo & Gyutae Kwon & Chaeseung Lim & Jungsu Park, 2019. "Inhibition of Photosynthetic Activity in Wastewater-Borne Microalgal–Bacterial Consortia under Various Light Conditions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(10), pages 1-13, May.
    7. Preeti Pal & Kit Wayne Chew & Hong-Wei Yen & Jun Wei Lim & Man Kee Lam & Pau Loke Show, 2019. "Cultivation of Oily Microalgae for the Production of Third-Generation Biofuels," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(19), pages 1-16, September.
    8. Tan, Yue Dian & Lim, Jeng Shiun, 2019. "Feasibility of palm oil mill effluent elimination towards sustainable Malaysian palm oil industry," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 111(C), pages 507-522.
    9. Maria I. Silva & Ana L. Gonçalves & Vítor J. P. Vilar & José C. M. Pires, 2021. "Experimental and Techno-Economic Study on the Use of Microalgae for Paper Industry Effluents Remediation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(3), pages 1-29, January.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

    Citations are extracted by the CitEc Project, subscribe to its RSS feed for this item.
    as


    Cited by:

    1. Nurulfarah Adilah Rosmahadi & Wai-Hong Leong & Hemamalini Rawindran & Yeek-Chia Ho & Mardawani Mohamad & Noraini A. Ghani & Mohammed J. K. Bashir & Anwar Usman & Man-Kee Lam & Jun-Wei Lim, 2021. "Assuaging Microalgal Harvesting Woes via Attached Growth: A Critical Review to Produce Sustainable Microalgal Feedstock," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(20), pages 1-24, October.
    2. Su, Guangcan & Mohd Zulkifli, Nurin Wahidah & Ong, Hwai Chyuan & Ibrahim, Shaliza & Bu, Quan & Zhu, Ruonan, 2022. "Pyrolysis of oil palm wastes for bioenergy in Malaysia: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 164(C).
    3. Escalante, Jamin & Chen, Wei-Hsin & Tabatabaei, Meisam & Hoang, Anh Tuan & Kwon, Eilhann E. & Andrew Lin, Kun-Yi & Saravanakumar, Ayyadurai, 2022. "Pyrolysis of lignocellulosic, algal, plastic, and other biomass wastes for biofuel production and circular bioeconomy: A review of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) approach," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 169(C).

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Peter, Angela Paul & Koyande, Apurav Krishna & Chew, Kit Wayne & Ho, Shih-Hsin & Chen, Wei-Hsin & Chang, Jo-Shu & Krishnamoorthy, Rambabu & Banat, Fawzi & Show, Pau Loke, 2022. "Continuous cultivation of microalgae in photobioreactors as a source of renewable energy: Current status and future challenges," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 154(C).
    2. Hussain, Fida & Shah, Syed Z. & Ahmad, Habib & Abubshait, Samar A. & Abubshait, Haya A. & Laref, A. & Manikandan, A. & Kusuma, Heri S. & Iqbal, Munawar, 2021. "Microalgae an ecofriendly and sustainable wastewater treatment option: Biomass application in biofuel and bio-fertilizer production. A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 137(C).
    3. Marcin Zieliński & Marcin Dębowski & Joanna Kazimierowicz, 2022. "Outflow from a Biogas Plant as a Medium for Microalgae Biomass Cultivation—Pilot Scale Study and Technical Concept of a Large-Scale Installation," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-18, April.
    4. Arkadiusz Piwowar & Maciej Dzikuć, 2019. "Development of Renewable Energy Sources in the Context of Threats Resulting from Low-Altitude Emissions in Rural Areas in Poland: A Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(18), pages 1-15, September.
    5. Vladimir Heredia & Olivier Gonçalves & Luc Marchal & Jeremy Pruvost, 2021. "Producing Energy-Rich Microalgae Biomass for Liquid Biofuels: Influence of Strain Selection and Culture Conditions," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(5), pages 1-15, February.
    6. TsingHai Wang & Cheng-Di Dong & Jui-Yen Lin & Chiu-Wen Chen & Jo-Shu Chang & Hyunook Kim & Chin-Pao Huang & Chang-Mao Hung, 2021. "Recent Advances in Carbon Dioxide Conversion: A Circular Bioeconomy Perspective," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(12), pages 1-31, June.
    7. Ahmed Zainul Abideen & Veera Pandiyan Kaliani Sundram & Shahryar Sorooshian, 2023. "Scope for Sustainable Development of Small Holder Farmers in the Palm Oil Supply Chain—A Systematic Literature Review and Thematic Scientific Mapping," Logistics, MDPI, vol. 7(1), pages 1-24, January.
    8. Marcin Zieliński & Marcin Dębowski & Joanna Kazimierowicz & Izabela Świca, 2023. "Microalgal Carbon Dioxide (CO 2 ) Capture and Utilization from the European Union Perspective," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-27, February.
    9. Zailan, Roziah & Lim, Jeng Shiun & Manan, Zainuddin Abdul & Alwi, Sharifah Rafidah Wan & Mohammadi-ivatloo, Behnam & Jamaluddin, Khairulnadzmi, 2021. "Malaysia scenario of biomass supply chain-cogeneration system and optimization modeling development: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 148(C).
    10. Singh, Kripal & Ansari, Faiz Ahmad & Ingle, Kapilkumar Nivrutti & Gupta, Sanjay Kumar & Ahirwal, Jitendra & Dhyani, Shalini & Singh, Shraddha & Abhilash, P.C. & Rawat, Ismael & Byun, Chaeho & Bux, Fai, 2023. "Microalgae from wastewaters to wastelands: Leveraging microalgal research conducive to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 188(C).
    11. Behera, Bunushree & Unpaprom, Yuwalee & Ramaraj, Rameshprabu & Maniam, Gaanty Pragas & Govindan, Natanamurugaraj & Paramasivan, Balasubramanian, 2021. "Integrated biomolecular and bioprocess engineering strategies for enhancing the lipid yield from microalgae," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 148(C).
    12. Bishwambhar Mishra & Sunita Varjani & Gopalakrishnan Kumar & Mukesh Kumar Awasthi & Sanjeev Kumar Awasthi & Raveendran Sindhu & Parameswaran Binod & Eldon R Rene & Zengqiang Zhang, 2021. "Microbial approaches for remediation of pollutants: Innovations, future outlook, and challenges," Energy & Environment, , vol. 32(6), pages 1029-1058, September.
    13. Khatun, Rahima & Reza, Mohammad Imam Hasan & Moniruzzaman, M. & Yaakob, Zahira, 2017. "Sustainable oil palm industry: The possibilities," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 76(C), pages 608-619.
    14. Marcin Dębowski & Izabela Świca & Joanna Kazimierowicz & Marcin Zieliński, 2022. "Large Scale Microalgae Biofuel Technology—Development Perspectives in Light of the Barriers and Limitations," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(1), pages 1-23, December.
    15. Robab Salami & Masoumeh Kordi & Parisa Bolouri & Nasser Delangiz & Behnam Asgari Lajayer, 2021. "Algae-Based Biorefinery as a Sustainable Renewable Resource," Circular Economy and Sustainability, Springer, vol. 1(4), pages 1349-1365, December.
    16. Oza, Suvik & Kodgire, Pravin & Kachhwaha, Surendra Singh & Lam, Man Kee & Yusup, Suzana & Chai, Yee Ho & Rokhum, Samuel Lalthazuala, 2024. "A review on sustainable and scalable biodiesel production using ultra-sonication technology," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 226(C).
    17. Kumar, B. Ramesh & Mathimani, Thangavel & Sudhakar, M.P. & Rajendran, Karthik & Nizami, Abdul-Sattar & Brindhadevi, Kathirvel & Pugazhendhi, Arivalagan, 2021. "A state of the art review on the cultivation of algae for energy and other valuable products: Application, challenges, and opportunities," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 138(C).
    18. Yani Aranguren Díaz & Edy Monterroza Martínez & Laura Carillo García & María C. Serrano & Elwi Machado Sierra, 2022. "Phycoremediation as a Strategy for the Recovery of Marsh and Wetland with Potential in Colombia," Resources, MDPI, vol. 11(2), pages 1-20, January.
    19. Kleiman, Rachel M. & Characklis, Gregory W. & Kern, Jordan D. & Gerlach, Robin, 2021. "Characterizing weather-related biophysical and financial risks in algal biofuel production," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 294(C).
    20. Kah Aik Tan & Japareng Lalung & Norhashimah Morad & Norli Ismail & Wan Maznah Wan Omar & Moonis Ali Khan & Mika Sillanpää & Mohd Rafatullah, 2021. "Post-Treatment of Palm Oil Mill Effluent Using Immobilised Green Microalgae Chlorococcum oleofaciens," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(21), pages 1-18, October.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:6:p:3247-:d:517621. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.