Microalgae-mediated biofixation as an innovative technology for flue gases towards carbon neutrality: A comprehensive review

Microalgae-mediated industrial flue gas biofixation has been widely discussed as a clean alternative for greenhouse gas mitigation. Through photosynthetic processes, microalgae can fix carbon dioxide (CO2) and other compounds and can also be exploited to obtain high value-added products in a circular economy. One of the major limitations of this bioprocess is the high concentrations of CO2, sulfur oxides (SOx), and nitrogen oxides (NOx) in flue gases, according to the origin of the fuel, that can inhibit photosynthesis and reduce the process efficiency. To overcome these limitations, researchers have recently developed new technologies and enhanced process configurations, thereby increased productivity and CO2 removal rates. Overall, CO2 biofixation rates from flue gases by microalgae ranged from 72 mg L−1 d −1 to over 435 mg L−1 d−1, which were directly influenced by different factors, mainly the microalgae species and photobioreactor. Additionally, mixotrophic culture have shown potential in improving microalgae productivity. Progress in developing new reactor configurations, with pilot-scale implementations was observed, resulting in an increase in patents related to the subject and in the implementation of companies using combustion gases in microalgae culture. Advancements in microalgae-based green technologies for environmental impact mitigation have led to more efficient biotechnological processes and opened large-scale possibilities. [Display omitted] •Microalgae exhibits potential for flue gas biofixation with byproducts recovery.•Flue gas can increase microalgal biomass yield on a larger scale.•Hybrid systems have been explored to improve process performance.•Reactors connnected in series promise efficient flue gas CO2 biofixation.•Obtaining multiple products from microalgae reduces risks and increase profit margin.