Systematic Review on Proliferation of Microalgae and Carbon Sequestration Potential for Sustainability
Abstract
Rising atmospheric CO₂ underscores the need for carbon mitigation strategies. Microalgae have emerged as a promising nature-based solution due to their exceptional photosynthetic efficiency, rapid biomass production, and adaptability to diverse environmental conditions. It satisfies the mandate of different sustainable development goals viz. SDG-02, 06, 07, 09, 12 and 13. This study investigates the carbon sequestration potential of various microalgae along with different microalgal cultivation systems, factors affecting cultivation, genetic interventions and solution-based applications. It was investigated that carbon sequestration potential of various microalgal strains varied in between 0.06 and 2.57 g L⁻¹ d⁻¹, where Haematococcus pluvialis exhibited the highest rate (2.57 g L⁻¹ d⁻¹). Among the different types of microalgae cultivation systems, the biofilm reactors and hybrid reactor designs were evaluated for higher efficiency. Environmental and operational factors influencing carbon fixation capacity are critically compared. The study explores genetic interventions for enhanced microalgal productivity both quantitatively and qualitatively. Chlamydomonas reinhardtii showed an increase in carbon fixation (35%) and biomass production (25%) with genetic intervention. Alongside, microalgae have diverse industrial applications. In bioenergy production, species viz. Desmodesmus spp. and Nannochloropsis oceanica had broader applications, while Spirulina platensis and Chlorella variabilis were recommended for ensuring nutritional security. Pharmaceutical applications of Dunaliella bardawil and Chlamydomonas reinhardtii were also observed in anti-inflammatory drugs. Additionally, microalgae like Anabaena spp. and Nostoc spp. are utilised as biofertilizers; Dunaliella bardawil and Haematococcus lacustris for industrial bioproducts and Scenedesmus spp. and Chlorella spp. for bioremediation of wastewater treatment.
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Pulses and Spirulina offer complementary sustainability advantages compared with conventional animal protein production, supporting several SDGs.
“As illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, pulses and Spirulina offer complementary sustainability advantages compared with conventional animal protein production [26,27], supporting several SDGs,”
From Valorization of Microalgae as Multifunctional Protein Sources in Plant-Based Systems: Structural, Functional, and Processing Challenges (2026) · cites this paper as [26]
Microalgae adapt to extreme conditions, allowing cultivation in high-temperature environments and in wastewater because they grow better in alkaline media.
“Microalgae, for instance (Figure 3), adapt to extreme conditions, allowing cultivation in high-temperature environments and in wastewater because they grow better in alkaline media,”
From Valorization of Microalgae as Multifunctional Protein Sources in Plant-Based Systems: Structural, Functional, and Processing Challenges (2026) · cites this paper as [26]
Microalgae cultivation in wastewater promotes water treatment by effectively removing nutrients, especially nitrogen and phosphorus, and lowering biochemical oxygen demand.
“which also promotes water treatment by effectively removing nutrients, especially nitrogen and phosphorus, and lowering biochemical oxygen demand, thus helping to close the production loop [26].”
From Valorization of Microalgae as Multifunctional Protein Sources in Plant-Based Systems: Structural, Functional, and Processing Challenges (2026) · cites this paper as [26]
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References 152 · Cited by 3
- Authors
- Sarmah, M., & Panda, M. R.
- Affiliations
- North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (IN)
- Corresponding author
- Panda, Mihir Ranjan
- Venue
- World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
- Published
- 2026-02-24
- Volume
- 42
- Issue
- 3
- ISSN
- 0959-3993 (ISSN-L)
- 1573-0972
- OpenAlex
- W7131133987
- Cited by
- 3
- References
- 152
- Citations by year
- 2026: 3
- FWCI
- 1.04
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Licence
- Locations
- World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Physical Sciences › Energy › Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment › Algal biology and biofuel production
- Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Environmental Chemistry › Aquatic Ecosystems and Phytoplankton Dynamics
- Physical Sciences › Earth and Planetary Sciences › Oceanography › Marine and coastal ecosystems
- Keywords
- microalgae, carbon sequestration, biofilm reactors, hybrid reactor, CO2 fixation, Haematococcus pluvialis, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, genetic engineering of microalgae, microalgae cultivation, bioenergy, Spirulina platensis, Chlorella variabilis, Dunaliella bardawil, biofertilizers, bioremediation, wastewater treatment, anti-inflammatory agents, nature-based solutions
- MeSH terms
- Sustainable Development, Carbon, Carbon Dioxide, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, Biomass, Bioreactors, Biofuels, Carbon Cycle, Carbon Sequestration, Microalgae
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