Integrated production of biodiesel and industrial wastewater treatment by culturing oleaginous microorganisms

VIÑARTA S.C.*CORRESPONDING AUTHOR; MAZA D.D.; FERNANDEZ P.M.; AYBAR M.J.; FIGUEROA L.I.C.

Integrated Environmental Technologies for Wastewater Treatment and Sustainable Development

ELSEVIER

Año: 2022; p. 81 - 100

Oleaginous microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, yeasts, and algae) are those that accumulate more than 20% (w/w) of lipids of their dry weight biomass. Depending on the fatty acids profile of microbial oils, they can be used as feedstock for the synthesis of biodiesel. However, the main drawback of commercialization is the high cost of the culture media components to obtain it. An integrated biodiesel production, combining the cultivation of oleaginous microorganisms with low-cost substrate (instead of glucose), such as industrial wastewater, may be a promising approach for improving the commercial and environmental viability of the process. In this chapter, several integrated strategies for the biological treatment of the different types of industrial wastewater by culture of diverse oleaginous microorganisms are analyzed. Simple approaches using a single oleaginous microorganism are described, as well as a variety of integrated strategies using a consortium of different microorganisms. In turn, the types of oleaginous microorganisms used and their performance for the production of lipids are presented. Some critical aspects are discussed mainly considering co-cultivation methods, combination with other treatments, and advantages and disadvantages of these technologies. The potential of microbial oils as raw material for the synthesis of biodiesel and the possibility of industrial application of these technologies are also evaluated.