Microalgal potential for sustainable aquaculture applications: bioremediation, biocontrol, aquafeed

Aquaculture has an important role in the global food market and aquatic organisms are a great reservoir of wholesome nourishment concomitantly addressing the issues of malnutrition in developing nations. The increased fish demand calls for exploring new avenues in aquaculture that include strategies for better aquaculture water management, suitable aquafeed that facilitates fish health and are rich in antioxidants, antimicrobials to ensure less motility and accelerated productivity. Microalgae possess all the qualities that qualify them to ideal sustainable aquafeed as they are rich in protein and carbohydrate, easily digestible, appetizing, and provide essential amino acids, pigments, carotenoids, vitamins, polysaccharides, and omega-3 fatty acids. The growth of algae in aquaculture wastewater leads to efficient remediation preventing eutrophication and the nutrients present in the water generate algal biomass, which can act as biocontrol agents to combat the fish pathogenic microbes like bacteria, fungi, and viruses. This review highlights the multifaceted role of microalgae in aquaculture. Exploring promising microalgae strains for aquaculture can provide viable, sustainable, and cost-effective solutions including better aquafeeds promoting aquatic health and efficiently remediating the diverse aquaculture wastewater. [GRAPHICS] .