Advances in mechanisms and applications of algae-bacteria/fungi symbiosis in sewage treatment

Abstract:

In the field of wastewater treatment, algae-bacteria/fungi symbiosis can efficiently remove nitrogen and phosphorus, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and recycle biomass after sewage treatment. Thus, researchers have shown increasing interests in the mechanisms and applications of algae-bacteria/fungi symbiosis in sewage treatment. There are few articles summarizing the interaction mechanisms of different algae-bacteria/fungi symbiotic systems in sewage treatment. In this review, we introduced the research progress on algae-bacteria/fungi symbiosis, especially the interaction mechanisms and effects, in sewage treatment from the following three aspects:algae-bacteria, algae-fungi, and mixed algae-mixed bacteria. Nutrient exchange is the basis of algae-bacteria/fungi symbiosis in sewage treatment. The molecules involved in signal transduction, such as quorum sensing molecules, can change the behavior and growth of algae or bacteria by activating gene expression or physiological activities. Fungal-assisted bio-flocculation has an immobilization effect on algae. Finally, we proposed the future research directions from the perspectives of mechanism, large-scale application, and biomass recycle.