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Liu W, Liu A, Qin H, Yan Y, Fu D, Singh RP. Application of hybrid multi-criteria decision-making approach to analyze wastewater microalgae culture systems for bioenergy production. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 256:119234. [PMID: 38802031 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Bioenergy generation from microalgae can significantly contribute to climate mitigation and renewable energy production. In this regard, several multi-criteria decision-making method were employed to prioritize appropriate microalgae culture system for bioenergy production. Entropy weight, Criteria Importance Through Intercriteria Correlation (CRITIC) and Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) were the employed MCDA method. Fourteen microalgae culture systems were selected as a case study, which contain teen monoculture and four dual-culture. Initially, through ans in-depth review of the literature and expert views, four categories total eight indicators were selected as the evaluation indices of the study, namely 1) Proliferation: Half growth cycle and Max growth rate,2) Biomass output: Bio-crude yield and Lipid yield, 3) Nutrient utilization: residual concentration of total Nitrogen and total Phosphorus, and, 4) Stability: coefficient of variation of Bio-crude yield and Lipid yield. The result indicated that "Pediastrum sp. & Micractinium sp." was identified as the most bioenergy potential microalgae culture system, and the evaluation results of entropy weight method and CRITIC method are similar. It is pertinent to note that 1)the entropy weight method exhibits lower sample size requirements, 2) the critic method excels when dealing with larger sample sizes, and 3) the TOPSIS method necessitates the incorporation of appropriate weighting methods to ensure credible results. In the application stage, the key indicators related to cost can be further included in the evaluation indices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weixing Liu
- School of Civil Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou, 215009, PR China
| | - Aozhan Liu
- School of Civil Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, PR China
| | - Huan Qin
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430065, PR China; College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430065, PR China
| | - Yixin Yan
- School of Civil Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, PR China
| | - Dafang Fu
- School of Civil Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, PR China.
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Maia C, Pôjo V, Tavares T, Pires JCM, Malcata FX. Surfactant-Mediated Microalgal Flocculation: Process Efficiency and Kinetic Modelling. Bioengineering (Basel) 2024; 11:722. [PMID: 39061804 PMCID: PMC11274027 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11070722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Microalgae are a valuable source of lipids, proteins, and pigments, but there are challenges in large-scale production, especially in harvesting. Existing methods lack proven efficacy and cost-effectiveness. However, flocculation, an energy-efficient technique, is emerging as a promising solution. Integrating surfactants enhances microalgal harvesting and disruption simultaneously, reducing processing costs. This study investigated cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DTAB), and sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) for harvesting Tetraselmis sp. strains (75LG and 46NLG). CTAB exhibits superior results, with 88% harvesting efficiency at 1500 and 2000 mg L-1 for 75LG and 46NLG, respectively, for 60 min of sedimentation-thus being able to reduce the operating time. Beyond evaluating harvesting efficiency, our study explored the kinetics of the process; the modified Gompertz model led to the best fit. Furthermore, the largest kinetic constants were observed with CTAB, thus highlighting its efficacy in optimising the microalgal harvesting process. With the incorporation of the suggested enhancements, which should be addressed in future work, CTAB could hold the potential to optimise microalgal harvesting for cost-effective and sustainable large-scale production, eventually unlocking the commercial potential of microalgae for biodiesel production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Maia
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; (C.M.); (V.P.); (T.T.); (F.X.M.)
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Vânia Pôjo
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; (C.M.); (V.P.); (T.T.); (F.X.M.)
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Tânia Tavares
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; (C.M.); (V.P.); (T.T.); (F.X.M.)
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - José C. M. Pires
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; (C.M.); (V.P.); (T.T.); (F.X.M.)
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Francisco Xavier Malcata
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; (C.M.); (V.P.); (T.T.); (F.X.M.)
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
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Sousa JF, Amaro HM, Ribeirinho-Soares S, Esteves AF, Salgado EM, Nunes OC, Pires JCM. Native Microalgae-Bacteria Consortia: A Sustainable Approach for Effective Urban Wastewater Bioremediation and Disinfection. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1421. [PMID: 39065189 PMCID: PMC11278754 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12071421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Urban wastewater is a significant by-product of human activities. Conventional urban wastewater treatment plants have limitations in their treatment, mainly concerning the low removal efficiency of conventional and emerging contaminants. Discharged wastewater also contains harmful microorganisms, posing risks to public health, especially by spreading antibiotic-resistant bacteria and genes. Therefore, this study assesses the potential of a native microalgae-bacteria system (MBS) for urban wastewater bioremediation and disinfection, targeting NH4+-N and PO43--P removal, coliform reduction, and antibiotic resistance gene mitigation. The MBS showed promising results, including a high specific growth rate (0.651 ± 0.155 d-1) and a significant average removal rate of NH4+-N and PO43--P (9.05 ± 1.24 mg L-1 d-1 and 0.79 ± 0.06 mg L-1 d-1, respectively). Microalgae-induced pH increase rapidly reduces coliforms (r > 0.9), including Escherichia coli, within 3 to 6 days. Notably, the prevalence of intI1 and the antibiotic resistance genes sul1 and blaTEM are significantly diminished, presenting the MBS as a sustainable approach for tertiary wastewater treatment to combat eutrophication and reduce waterborne disease risks and antibiotic resistance spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana F. Sousa
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; (J.F.S.); (H.M.A.); (S.R.-S.); (A.F.E.); (E.M.S.); (O.C.N.)
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Helena M. Amaro
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; (J.F.S.); (H.M.A.); (S.R.-S.); (A.F.E.); (E.M.S.); (O.C.N.)
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Sara Ribeirinho-Soares
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; (J.F.S.); (H.M.A.); (S.R.-S.); (A.F.E.); (E.M.S.); (O.C.N.)
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- LSRE-LCM—Laboratory of Separation and Reaction Engineering-Laboratory of Catalysis and Materials, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana F. Esteves
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; (J.F.S.); (H.M.A.); (S.R.-S.); (A.F.E.); (E.M.S.); (O.C.N.)
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- LSRE-LCM—Laboratory of Separation and Reaction Engineering-Laboratory of Catalysis and Materials, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Eva M. Salgado
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; (J.F.S.); (H.M.A.); (S.R.-S.); (A.F.E.); (E.M.S.); (O.C.N.)
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Olga C. Nunes
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; (J.F.S.); (H.M.A.); (S.R.-S.); (A.F.E.); (E.M.S.); (O.C.N.)
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - José C. M. Pires
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; (J.F.S.); (H.M.A.); (S.R.-S.); (A.F.E.); (E.M.S.); (O.C.N.)
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
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Ali SS, Hassan LHS, El-Sheekh M. Microalgae-mediated bioremediation: current trends and opportunities-a review. Arch Microbiol 2024; 206:343. [PMID: 38967670 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-024-04052-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Environmental pollution poses a critical global challenge, and traditional wastewater treatment methods often prove inadequate in addressing the complexity and scale of this issue. On the other hand, microalgae exhibit diverse metabolic capabilities that enable them to remediate a wide range of pollutants, including heavy metals, organic contaminants, and excess nutrients. By leveraging the unique metabolic pathways of microalgae, innovative strategies can be developed to effectively remediate polluted environments. Therefore, this review paper highlights the potential of microalgae-mediated bioremediation as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to conventional methods. It also highlights the advantages of utilizing microalgae and algae-bacteria co-cultures for large-scale bioremediation applications, demonstrating impressive biomass production rates and enhanced pollutant removal efficiency. The promising potential of microalgae-mediated bioremediation is emphasized, presenting a viable and innovative alternative to traditional treatment methods in addressing the global challenge of environmental pollution. This review identifies the opportunities and challenges for microalgae-based technology and proposed suggestions for future studies to tackle challenges. The findings of this review advance our understanding of the potential of microalgae-based technology wastewater treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameh S Ali
- Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, 31527, Egypt.
| | - Lamiaa H S Hassan
- Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Shebin El-kom, 32511, Egypt
| | - Mostafa El-Sheekh
- Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, 31527, Egypt.
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Odibo A, Janpum C, Pombubpa N, Monshupanee T, Incharoensakdi A, Ur Rehman Z, In-Na P. Microalgal-bacterial immobilized co-culture as living biofilters for nutrient recovery from synthetic wastewater and their potential as biofertilizers. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2024; 398:130509. [PMID: 38452949 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2024.130509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
This study investigates nutrient recovery from synthetic municipal wastewater using co-immobilized cultures of Chlorella vulgaris TISTR 8580 (CV) and plant growth-promoting bacteria, Bacillus subtilis TISTR 1415 (BS) as living biofilters for a subsequent biofertilizer activity. The optimal condition for nutrient recovery was at the 1:1 ratio of CV/BS using mixed guar gum/carrageenan (GG/CG) binders. After 7-day wastewater treatment, the living biofilters removed 86.7 ± 0.5% of ammonium and 99.3 ± 0.3% of phosphates and were tested subsequently as biofertilizers for 20 days to grow selected plants. The highest optimal biomass and chlorophyll a content was 2 ± 0.3 g (CV/BS 3:1) and 12.4 ± 0.7 µg/g (CV/BS 1:1) from cucumber respectively, however, the close-to-neutral pH (8.0 ± 0.3) was observed from sunflower using CV/BS 1:1 living biofilters. Conclusively, the designed living biofilters exhibit the potential to recover nutrients from wastewater and be used as biofertilizers for circular agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Augustine Odibo
- Department of Chemical Technology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Chalampol Janpum
- Department of Chemical Technology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Nuttapon Pombubpa
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Tanakarn Monshupanee
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; Research Unit on Sustainable Algal Cultivation and Applications (RU SACAS), Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Aran Incharoensakdi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Zia Ur Rehman
- Department of Chemical Technology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Pichaya In-Na
- Department of Chemical Technology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; Research Unit on Sustainable Algal Cultivation and Applications (RU SACAS), Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
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6
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Mkpuma VO, Moheimani NR, Ennaceri H. Biofilm cultivation of chlorella species. MUR 269 to treat anaerobic digestate food effluent (ADFE): Total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) concentrations effect. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 354:141688. [PMID: 38484996 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Microalgal-based treatment of anaerobic digestate food effluent (ADFE) has been found to be efficient and effective. However, turbidity and high total ammonia nitrogen (TAN)) content of ADFE is a major setback, requiring significant dilution. Although the possibility of growing microalgae in a high-strength ADFE with minimal dilution has been demonstrated in suspension cultures, such effluents remain highly turbid and affect the light path in suspension cultures. Here, the feasibility of growing Chlorella sp.MUR 269 in biofilm to treat ADFE with high TAN concentrations was investigated. Six different TAN concentrations in ADFE were evaluated for their effects on biofilm growth and nutrient removal by Chlorella sp. MUR 269 using the perfused biofilm technique. Biomass yields and productivities of this alga at various TAN concentrations (mg N NH3 L-1) were 55a (108 g m-2 and 9.80 g m-2 d-1)>100b > 200c = 300c = 500c > 1000d. Growth was inhibited, resulting in a 28% reduction in yield of Chlorella biofilm when this alga was grown at 1000 mg N NH3 L-1. A survey of the photosynthetic parameters reveals evidence of stress occurring in the following sequence: 55 < 100<200 < 300<1000. A significant nutrient removal was observed across various TAN concentrations. The removal pattern also followed the concentration gradients except COD, where the highest removal occurred at 500 mg N NH3 L-1. Higher removal rates were seen at higher nutrient concentrations and declined gradually over time. In general, our results indicated that the perfused biofilm strategy is efficient, minimizes water consumption, offers easy biomass harvesting, and better exposure to light. Therefore, it can be suitable for treating turbid and concentrated effluent with minimal treatment to reduce the TAN concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Okorie Mkpuma
- Algae R&D Centre, School of Environmental and Conservation Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - Navid Reza Moheimani
- Algae R&D Centre, School of Environmental and Conservation Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia; Centre for Water, Energy and Waste, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, 6150, Australia
| | - Houda Ennaceri
- Algae R&D Centre, School of Environmental and Conservation Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia; Centre for Water, Energy and Waste, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, 6150, Australia.
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Kalwani M, Kumari A, Rudra SG, Chhabra D, Pabbi S, Shukla P. Application of ANN-MOGA for nutrient sequestration for wastewater remediation and production of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) by Chlorella sorokiniana MSP1. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 349:140835. [PMID: 38043617 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Chlorella bears excellent potential in removing nutrients from industrial wastewater and lipid production enriched with polyunsaturated fatty acids. However, due to the changing nutrient dynamics of wastewater, growth and metabolic activity of Chlorella are affected. In order to sustain microalgal growth in wastewater with concomitant production of PUFA rich lipids, RSM (Response Surface Methodology) followed by heuristic hybrid computation model ANN-MOGA (Artificial Neural Network- Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm) were implemented. Preliminary experiments conducted taking one factor at a time and design matrix of RSM with process variables viz. Sodium chloride (1 mM-40 mM), Magnesium sulphate (100 mg-800 mg) and incubation time (4th day to 20th day) were validated by ANN-MOGA. The study reported improved biomass and lipid yield by 54.25% and 12.76%, along with total nitrogen and phosphorus removal by 21.92% and 18.72% respectively using ANN-MOGA. It was evident from FAME results that there was a significantly improved concentration of linoleic acid (19.1%) and γ-linolenic acid (21.1%). Improved PUFA content makes it a potential feedstock with application in cosmeceutical, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industry. The study further proves that C. sorokiniana MSP1 mediated industrial wastewater treatment with PUFA production is an effective way in providing environmental benefits along with value addition. Moreover, ANN-MOGA is a relevant tool that could control microalgal growth in wastewater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohneesh Kalwani
- Enzyme Technology and Protein Bioinformatics Laboratory, School of Biotechnology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, 221005, India; Centre for Conservation and Utilisation of Blue Green Algae (CCUBGA), Division of Microbiology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110012, India
| | - Arti Kumari
- Division of Biochemistry, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110012, India
| | - Shalini G Rudra
- Division of Food Science and Post Harvest Technology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110012, India
| | - Deepak Chhabra
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University Institute of Engineering and Technology, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, 124001, Haryana, India
| | - Sunil Pabbi
- Centre for Conservation and Utilisation of Blue Green Algae (CCUBGA), Division of Microbiology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110012, India.
| | - Pratyoosh Shukla
- Enzyme Technology and Protein Bioinformatics Laboratory, School of Biotechnology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, 221005, India.
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Qian W, Yang Y, Chou S, Ge S, Li P, Wang X, Zhuang LL, Zhang J. Effect of N/P ratio on attached microalgae growth and the differentiated metabolism along the depth of biofilm. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 240:117428. [PMID: 37875171 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Attached microalgae cultivation coupled with wastewater treatment could convert pollutants into bioresource with high efficiency and low cost. Nitrogen to phosphorus ratio (N/P ratio) is considered as an important factor on microalgae growth. Due to spatially heterogeneous distribution of nutrient, how N/P ratio affected attached microalgae growth in both macro- and micro-scopes was explored in this study. The findings revealed that an optimal N/P ratio of 10:1 promoted attached microalgae growth, while unsuitable ratios hampered algal growth by inhibiting photosynthesis, lowering oxidative resistance and decreasing metabolism activity. Long-term cultivation with improper N/P ratios resulted in a gradual decrease in actual photosynthetic rates, implying 50 days as the upper culture time limit for high-efficiency growth. Moreover, the study highlighted the uneven distribution of light and nutrients in algal biofilms, causing cells in different biofilm layers with variability of metabolism and composition. However, the 15N isotopic distribution demonstrated that even bottom cells were equally capable of nitrogen assimilation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiyi Qian
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong, 266237, China
| | - Yanan Yang
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong, 266237, China
| | - Sai Chou
- China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100192, China
| | - Shuhan Ge
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong, 266237, China
| | - Peihua Li
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong, 266237, China
| | - Xiaoxiong Wang
- Institute for Ocean Engineering, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Lin-Lan Zhuang
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong, 266237, China.
| | - Jian Zhang
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong, 266237, China; College of Safety and Environmental Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong, 266590, China
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Martins RA, Salgado EM, Gonçalves AL, Esteves AF, Pires JCM. Microalgae-Based Remediation of Real Textile Wastewater: Assessing Pollutant Removal and Biomass Valorisation. Bioengineering (Basel) 2024; 11:44. [PMID: 38247921 PMCID: PMC11154308 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11010044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The textile industry generates highly contaminated wastewater. It severely threatens local ecosystems without proper treatment, significantly diminishing biodiversity near the discharge point. With rapid growth rates, microalgae offer an effective solution to mitigate the environmental impact of textile wastewater, and the generated biomass can be valorised. This study sets out to achieve two primary objectives: (i) to assess the removal of pollutants by Chlorella vulgaris from two distinct real textile wastewaters (without dilution) and (ii) to evaluate microalgal biomass composition for further valorisation (in a circular economy approach). Microalgae grew successfully with growth rates ranging from 0.234 ± 0.005 to 0.290 ± 0.003 d-1 and average productivities ranging from 78 ± 3 to 112.39 ± 0.07 mgDW L-1 d-1. All cultures demonstrated a significant reduction in nutrient concentrations for values below the legal limits for discharge, except for COD in effluent 2. Furthermore, the pigment concentration in the culture increased during textile effluent treatment, presenting a distinct advantage over conventional ones due to the economic value of produced biomass and pigments. This study underscores the promise of microalgae in textile wastewater treatment and provides valuable insights into their role in addressing the environmental challenges the textile industry poses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rúben A. Martins
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; (R.A.M.); (E.M.S.); (A.L.G.)
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Eva M. Salgado
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; (R.A.M.); (E.M.S.); (A.L.G.)
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana L. Gonçalves
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; (R.A.M.); (E.M.S.); (A.L.G.)
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- CITEVE—Technological Centre for the Textile and Clothing Industries of Portugal, Rua Fernando Mesquita, 2785, 4760-034 Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal
| | - Ana F. Esteves
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; (R.A.M.); (E.M.S.); (A.L.G.)
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- LSRE-LCM—Laboratory of Separation and Reaction Engineering-Laboratory of Catalysis and Materials, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - José C. M. Pires
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; (R.A.M.); (E.M.S.); (A.L.G.)
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
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