Research of photosynthetic microorganisms in the resourceful treatment of livestock and poultry breeding wastewater

Livestock and poultry breeding wastewater has a complex composition by diverse types and high concentrations of pollutants. The current treatment of these waste water has gradually shifted from traditional treatment to resource utilization technologies. Treatment technique based on photosynthetic microorganisms presents a financially potential alternative to traditional wastewater treatment technology, due to the water quality features and resource recovery potential of livestock and poultry breeding wastewater. This article introduced the characteristics and resource utilization trends of livestock and poultry breeding wastewater, along with the limitations of conventional wastewater treatment technologies. The advantages and disadvantages of photosynthetic microorganism-based treatment technologies and traditional methods were compared, and the principles of the technology from the perspectives of microalgae and photosynthetic bacteria were explained. Additionally, several composite treatment technologies based on photosynthetic microorganism were also highlighted, as well as value-added products that could be generated. Finally, it was proposed that photosynthetic microbial treatment technologies should aim for larger scales, integrate environmental applicability, and realize the potential for enhanced product value in the future.