Enhancing Nature-Based Solutions: Efficient Removal of Hydroxytyrosol in Olive Mill Wastewater Treatment for Value Creation

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the potential use of the microalgae Chlorella sorokiniana and Scenedesmus quadricauda for the bioremediation of olive mill wastewater (OMW), which is a major environmental issue and a waste product of olive oil production. The study investigated the effects of different dilutions (10% and 50%) of OMW on the growth of the microalgae and their ability to remove the phenolic component hydroxytyrosol (OH-Tyr) and enhance their antioxidant properties. The results indicated that, although the growth on OMW was not enhanced, both microalgae strains were able to remove OH-Tyr from OMW, with Chlorella sorokiniana showing higher removal efficiency than Scenedesmus quadricauda. Moreover, the antioxidant activity of the microalgal extracts increased after 96 h of exposure to OMW. These findings suggest that microalgae-based treatment of OMW could be a promising approach for the bioremediation of this waste product and the production of value-added products. Overall, the use of microalgae for the treatment of OMW could provide a sustainable solution for the management of this waste product while generating potential economic benefits for olive producers.