# Can microalgae grow on dissolved black carbon generated from high-frequency wildfires?

## TL;DR

This paper explores how dissolved black carbon from wildfires might affect microalgae growth and its potential use in aquatic systems.

## Contribution

The paper introduces the novel idea of using dissolved black carbon to enhance microalgal growth and productivity in aquatic environments.

## Key findings

- DBC can increase water temperatures and potentially boost microalgal growth through sunlight absorption.
- DBC may interact with pollutants to enhance nutrient cycling and biomass production.
- Challenges exist in using DBC for microalgae, requiring novel strategies for effective application.

## Abstract

Climate and land-use changes have significantly increased the severity and frequency of global wildfires, raising concerns about their effects on the terrestrial environment, aquatic systems, and humans. During wildfires, numerous substances such as organic matter black carbon (BC), anions, cations, and nutrients are released and mobilized. Black carbon (BC) is a pyrogenic residue generated through the incomplete burning of organics (OCs) during wildfires. The introduction of BC to aquatic systems through rainfall events forms a dissolved fraction known as dissolved black carbon (DBC), which strongly absorbs sunlight and increases both surface and internal water temperatures. Currently, microalgae are popular candidates for carbon fixation, biofuel production, and other value-added products. This review suggests the potential application of DBC in aquatic environments to enhance microalgal growth through sunlight absorption and interaction with other pollutants. However, the addition of DBC for microalgal growth may face challenges; therefore, the employment of novel strategies should be promoted to direct future research toward ensuring cleaner, more economical, and environmentally friendly DBC consumption for enhanced microalgal biomass production.

Infographic illustrating the biological and chemical transformation of dissolved black carbon (DBC) and its effects on microalgal growth. Left panels show DBC deposition causing soil and aquatic toxicity. The central section shows sunlight absorption and wastewater interaction increasing temperature and biomass via nutrient, signal, and circulation processes. On the right, treated water results in enhanced carbon emission, nutrient removal, biomass production, pollutant tolerance, and value-added product generation by microalgae.