Table 3 Comparison of molasses wastewater treatment by different methods (Trophic mode of microalgae in table is heterotrophic cultivation)

Microalgae and activated sludge

25 ± 1 °C

COD ~78%, TN ~35%

[45]

Ozonation and activated sludge

25 °C

COD ~66.5%

[50]

Microbial fuel cells (MFC)

Not given

COD ~79.8%

[51]

Single chamber MFC

Not given

COD ~89–90%

[52]

AFBR and microalgae pond

27–32 °C

COD ~98.2%, TN ~85.5%

[53]

ABR

Not given

COD ~90%

[54]

BioH₂–BioCH₄–MFC integrated system

35 °C

COD ~98%

[55]

UASB

35 °C

COD ~91.2%

[56]

Microalgae alone

10 °C

COD ~87.2%, TN ~90.5%, TP ~88.6%

This study