| A2/O | Anaerobic–anoxic–oxic |
| AD | Anaerobic digestion |
| ATS | Algal turf scrubber |
| BDOC | Biodegradable dissolved organic carbon |
| BNR | Biological nutrient removal |
| BOD | Biochemical oxygen demand |
| COD | Chemical oxygen demand |
| DOC | Dissolved organic carbon |
| HRAP | High rate alga pond |
| LEA | Lipid-extracted algal residues |
| RABR | Rotating algal biofilm reactor |
| SS | Suspension solid |
| TN | Total nitrogen |
| TOC | Total organic carbon |
| TP | Total phosphorous |
| TPBR | Tubular photobioreactor |
| UCT | University of Cape Town |
| WWTPs | Wastewater treatment plants |