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Microalgal Growth and Nutrient Removal Efficiency in Non-Sterilised Primary Domestic Wastewater

Author

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  • Yeong Hwang Tan

    (Institute of Sustainable Energy, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Jalan Ikram-Uniten, Kajang 43000, Selangor, Malaysia)

  • Mee Kin Chai

    (Institute of Sustainable Energy, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Jalan Ikram-Uniten, Kajang 43000, Selangor, Malaysia)

  • Ji Yu Na

    (Faculty of Health and Life Science, INTI International University, Persiaran Perdana BBN, Putra Nilai, Nilai 71800, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia)

  • Ling Shing Wong

    (Faculty of Health and Life Science, INTI International University, Persiaran Perdana BBN, Putra Nilai, Nilai 71800, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia)

Abstract

Microalgae biomass can produce high quantities of biochemicals that can be used in various applications such as biodiesel, biogas, and aquaculture feed. The potential of sterilizing wastewater for microalgae-based wastewater treatment on a lab scale is well introduced. However, the operation cost for large-scale microalgae cultivation in wastewater treatment plants is high if using sterilising wastewater as the growth medium. The present study aimed to evaluate the growth of Scenedesmus sp., Chlorococcum aquaticum , Ankistrodesmus augustus , and Haematococcus pluvialis in non-sterilised domestic wastewater and their potential for pollutant removal in wastewater. The microalgae were cultivated in different concentrations of non-sterilised domestic wastewater, collected from a primary wastewater plant of a national sewerage company in Malaysia. Each species’ capacity for growth and the removal of pollutants were assessed. The results showed that the cell density, maximum biomass productivity, and biomass concentration of H. pluvialis , Scenedesmus sp., and C. aquaticum in 100% wastewater were significantly higher than the standard medium. Higher biomass concentration was obtained from H. pluvialis and C. aquaticum in 100% wastewater (815 g/L and 775.83 mg/L); nevertheless, Scenedesmus sp. in 100% wastewater yielded the highest specific growth rate (0.798 d −1 ) and the maximum biomass productivity (99.33 mg/L/day). Scenedesmus sp. in 100% wastewater also achieved better removal efficiency of total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and ammonia (N-NH 4 ) with more than 90%. All tested microalgae species successfully remove nitrogen, ammonium, and phosphorus and reach the concentration limits set by the Department of the Environment, Malaysia. This study demonstrated that microalgae can grow well in non-sterilised domestic wastewater while simultaneously removing nitrogen and phosphorus effectively.

Suggested Citation

  • Yeong Hwang Tan & Mee Kin Chai & Ji Yu Na & Ling Shing Wong, 2023. "Microalgal Growth and Nutrient Removal Efficiency in Non-Sterilised Primary Domestic Wastewater," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-13, April.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:8:p:6601-:d:1122717
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Trivedi, Tanmay & Jain, Deepti & Mulla, Nousin S.S. & Mamatha, S.S. & Damare, Samir R. & Sreepada, R.A. & Kumar, Sanjay & Gupta, Vishal, 2019. "Improvement in biomass, lipid production and biodiesel properties of a euryhaline Chlorella vulgaris NIOCCV on mixotrophic cultivation in wastewater from a fish processing plant," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 139(C), pages 326-335.
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    Cited by:

    1. Zenebe Yirgu & Seyoum Leta Asfaw & Ahmed Hussen Dekebo & Mohammed Mazharuddin Khan & Temesgen Aragaw, 2023. "Simultaneous Phycoremediation and Lipid Production by Microalgae Grown in Non-Sterilized and Sterilized Anaerobically Digested Brewery Effluent," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(21), pages 1-17, October.

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