Revolutionizing Agriculture: Leveraging Hydroponic Greenhouse Wastewater for Sustainable Microalgae-Based Biostimulant Production

Abstract

The current intensification in agricultural pressure has resulted in the addition of excessive amounts of nutrients. While hydroponic systems have become an agricultural tool to reduce this nutrient addition, the produced nutrient-rich drainage solution, which has a negative effect in water bodies, is still a barrier that needs to be overcome. A promising alternative for nutrient recovery is the cultivation of microalgae, which require a significant quantity of nutrients for their growth. Furthermore, their biostimulant properties enhance the circularity and sustainability approach. This study evaluates microalgae growth with a hydroponic drainage solution and the use of the resulting biomass as a source for biostimulant. Three microalgae strains were tested (Desmodesmus sp., Chlorella vulgaris, and Scenedesmus obliquus) and grown at laboratory scale (0.5 and 2 L) with drainage wastewater taken from hydroponic tomato crops. Measures of OD750 and OD680 revealed Desmodesmus sp. as the strain with the best performance, achieving 1.4 and 1.8, respectively, in the 0.5 L assay and 1.08 and 1.3 in the 2 L assay. These results were confirmed in another assay that compared Desmodesmus sp. growth in drainage wastewater and in control media. Then, Desmodesmus sp. was tested at industrial scale. Results show the columnar PBR reached 1.8 g·L−1 compared to 1.1 g·L−1 achieved with raceways. Finally, the resulting biomass was tested in a biocatalysis process for biostimulant production, suggesting an innovative system to use microalgae biomass cultured in wastewater as a valuable product such as biostimulant.

Development of a Greenhouse Wastewater Stream Utilization System for On-Site Microalgae-Based Biostimulant Production

“…Both studies underscore the potential of enzyme treatments in altering chlorophyll concentration and cell wall structure, with implications for various applications in biotechnology and agriculture. The current study's findings align with those of Álvarez et al [17], who found that a 10% concentration of the "EnzMix" complex is optimal for efficient degradation of cell walls. This suggests consistency in the efficacy of the enzyme complex across different research investigations, reinforcing its potential as a reliable tool for cell wall degradation processes.…”

“…strain. This microalgae species was selected based in previous studies [17]. Illustration of the biostimulant production process.…”

The Use of Chitin for the Removal of Nitrates and Orthophosphates from Greenhouse Wastewater

“…Due to the significant concentrations of phosphates and nitrates released into the environment, GW can contribute to the eutrophication of local water reservoirs and also pollute groundwater [ 8 ]. Discharging GW into the sewage system is also not an optimal solution.…”