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The utilization of microalgae in wastewater treatment (WWT) witnesses a global interest. From this sector, there are two main cultivation systems that can be used for microalgae cultivation, either open or closed systems; the choice of which of these cultivation systems to be used depends on the purpose of the produced biomass. Use of closed photobioreactors (PBRs) is better than open systems because they can provide uncontaminated monoalgal culture. Design of PBR allows controlling light intensity, light penetration ratio, with good gas exchange sectors, air/carbon dioxide supply, and mixing strategy. Different configurations of PBRs, including aerobic, horizontal tube, moving tank, and tubular aerobic PBRs, are studied in terms of their design, operation, and performance, with emphasis on their efficiency in generating microalgae biomass. Airlift pressure-feedback PBRs are energy-efficient and improve mass transfer in both internal and external loop configurations. Horizontal tube PBRs maximize light exposure but face biofouling and uneven distribution. Stirred tank PBRs have good mixing efficiency but limited light penetration and high energy requirements. PBRs are preferred for continuous cultivation systems due to their superior light penetration and high biomass productivity. The most common PBRs are flat panel reactors, tubular, and bubble column PBRs. Microalgae cultivation technology using PBRs depends on cultivation mode, factors that control the optimal growth, and harvesting techniques. PBRs are used in WWT, with suspended systems offering economical alternatives. Fixed systems, such as PBRs, improve separation but struggle with accurate biomass measurement. Hence, this chapter emphasizes the need for engineering improvements and optimization techniques to overcome operational and economic limitations of open and closed PBRs. This provides an overview of commercial WWT using microalgae, highlighting growth factors, different types and designs, and their applications.

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