Algae processing by plasma discharge technology: A review

Algae processing using plasma technology has been widely developed for various applications in the last few years. Diversity in plasma generation methods allows for greater diversity in the ways it is used in algae processing technology. The different plasma discharge conditions, such as; the device configurations, active medium specifications, consumed power, plasma temperature, and plasma density, play a significant role in determining the suitable algae application for each plasma generation method. The present review introduces recent contributions to algae processing using plasma technology. Additionally, various plasma applications are discussed, such as the control of harmful blooms, the promotion of algal growth and enhancement of its valuable compounds content, the production of biofuels, and the analysis of minerals in algal tissues. •Plasma treatment can solve the problem of harmful algae blooms.•Plasma is important in the extraction of valuable compounds from algae.•Plasma eliminates and prevents biofouling, causing algae.•Plasma plays an important role in the bioenergy production from algae.