We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Recycling Ophthalmic Lens Wastewater in a Circular Economy Context: A Case Study with Microalgae Integration
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers explored a circular economy approach to treating wastewater from ophthalmic lens production by integrating microalgae cultivation and waste material recycling. The approach uses microalgae to generate biomass from polluted water while incorporating solid waste into polymer and cement products. The study demonstrates how wastewater pollutants can potentially be transformed into valuable biobased products, including biopolymers for new lens manufacturing.
Water pollution poses a global threat to ecosystems and human health and is driven by the presence of various contaminants in wastewater, including nano- and microplastics. Despite the magnitude of this problem, the majority of global wastewater is released untreated into water bodies. To combat this issue, a multi-strategy approach is needed. This study explores a circular economy-based solution for treating emerging pollutants, particularly wastewater from ophthalmic spectacle lens production. Our approach integrates solid waste materials into polymeric and cement matrices while also utilising wastewater for microalgae cultivation. This innovative strategy focuses on biomass generation and economic valorisation. By adopting a circular economy model, we aim to transform environmental pollutants from wastewater into valuable organic products. A key component of our approach is the utilisation of microalgae, specifically Nannochloropsis sp., known for its high lipid content and resilience. This microalgae species serves as a promising biobased feedstock, supporting the production of innovative biobased products, such as biopolymers, for ophthalmic lens manufacturing. Our interdisciplinary approach combines microalgae technology, analytical chemistry, cement production, and polymer processing to develop a sustainable circular economy model that not only addresses environmental concerns, but also offers economic benefits. This study underscores the potential of harnessing high-value products from waste streams and underscores the importance of circular economy principles in tackling pollution and resource challenges.
More Papers Like This
Bioremediation Using Microalgae and Circular Economy Approach: A Case Study
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated the use of microalgae for bioremediation of water pollutants including nano- and microplastics, pharmaceuticals, and heavy metals, presenting a circular economy case study demonstrating how microalgal biomass can simultaneously treat contaminated water and generate value-added products.
Progress on microalgae cultivation in wastewater for bioremediation and circular bioeconomy
AI summary Read the abstract
This review explores the potential of microalgae cultivation in wastewater for bioremediation and circular bioeconomy, highlighting how microalgae can simultaneously treat wastewater while producing valuable biomass for various applications.
Harnessing microalgae for sustainable aquaculture and mariculture: Marine pollution mitigation and circular economy strategies
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed how microalgae can serve as a multipurpose bioremediation tool in aquaculture and mariculture, removing excess nutrients, capturing carbon, and reducing microplastic pollution, while also providing biomass for feed and supporting circular economy approaches that align with UN sustainability goals.
Remediation and upcycling of microplastics by algae with wastewater nutrient removal and bioproduction potential
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers demonstrated that algae can simultaneously remediate microplastics from water and remove nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewater, while also producing valuable biomass, presenting an integrated and sustainable platform that converts plastic waste into a resource.
Microalgae-based Wastewater Treatment and Production of Value Added Products
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines how microalgae can be used in wastewater treatment as an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional energy-intensive methods, while also producing valuable biomass. The authors discuss how microalgae remove nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, fix carbon dioxide, and can help address emerging contaminants including microplastics in wastewater streams. The study highlights the dual benefit of algae-based systems for both pollution cleanup and resource recovery in a circular economy.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.