Algal-Bacterial Consortiums, from Fundamental Interactions to Environmental Applications

Microalgae cultures offers solutions for pollution control at water reuse. The ability to nutrient and heavy metal up-take along with disinfection is a considerable more sustainable solution than conventional wastewater treatment processes based on mechanical aeration. Since microalgae have evolved together with bacteria in natural aquatic environments a whole range of interactions take place between both organisms. Ecology descriptions and population characterizations of the phycosphere are key elements for the design of microalgae-based units addressed to pollution control and for the understanding of the biochemical transformations that take place during cultivation. Negative interactions occur as consequence of resources competence or parasitism. Mutualism have the basis on substrate exchange and release of promotors. These and other interactions take place during the environmental applications such as wastewater treatment, gas treatment, or water reuse affecting the final performance.