The impact of wastewater characteristics, algal species selection and immobilisation on simultaneous nitrogen and phosphorus removal

Abstract

Nutrient removal from wastewater reduces the environmental impact of its discharge and provides opportunity for water reclamation. Algae can accomplish simultaneous nitrogen and phosphorus removal while also adding value to the wastewater treatment process through resource recovery. The application of algae to wastewater treatment has been limited by a low rate of nutrient removal and difficulty in recovering the algal biomass. Immobilising the algal cells can aid in overcoming both these issues and so improve the feasibility of algal wastewater treatment. Trends for nutrient removal by algal systems over different wastewater characteristics and physical conditions are reviewed. The impact that the selection of algal species and immobilisation has on simultaneous nutrient removal as well as the interdependence of nitrogen and phosphorus are established. Understanding these behaviours will allow the performance of algal wastewater treatment systems to be predicted, assist in their optimisation, and help to identify directions for future research.

Comparative study for the treatment of domestic wastewater using Chlorella Vulgaris

“…The increase in DO was mainly because of the photosynthetic effect of algae in addition to external aeration provided for the mixing of algae in the in uent. Algal growth increases alkalinity to a remarkable level regardless of the initial pH [41]. The rise of pH by photosynthesis was impeded due to the production of H + ions by nitri cation and by the use of ammonium as a nitrogen source for the photosynthesis process itself [42].…”

Campus Sewage Treatment by Golenkinia SDEC-16 and Biofuel Production under Monochromic Light

“…Microalgae act as a powerful biotechnology platform to synthesize valuable products by recovering nutrients from the culture medium [1][2][3][4]. Although the idea of biofuel production by using microalgae is not new, it is still being taken seriously, owing to the probability to alleviate global warming and inhibit the escalating price of petroleum [5].…”

“…Although the idea of biofuel production by using microalgae is not new, it is still being taken seriously, owing to the probability to alleviate global warming and inhibit the escalating price of petroleum [5]. Moreover, the algal biodiesel is an eco-friendly option where microalgae can survive in wastewater and make use of the nutrients [1,6]. e consumption of nutrients can reduce environmental impacts and fulfill the water reclamation.…”

“…Given that the diversity of microalgal species, the selection of appropriate species can promote nutrient removal. In addition, the responses to the changes in the culture conditions are dependent on the specific species [1].…”

“…Regarding the culture conditions, the monochromic LED lights emerged as an effective strategy to regulate the microalgae, and an appropriate selection of light wavelengths can facilitate the rate of nutrient remediation while descending the expenditure of energy provided by light devices [1]. Specific strains displayed different behaviors in response to the different monochromatic lights.…”