The disclosure, in one aspect, relates to hybrid ion-exchange and algae photosynthesis systems and processes for algae cultivation and treatment of high NH4+ concentration wastewater. The disclosed systems and methods can be further optimized using a disclosed mathematical model that can predict the hybrid ion-exchange and algae photosynthesis process including temporal evolution of the NH4+ concentration. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.