Biomass production and nutrient removal in semicontinuous cultures of Scenedesmus sp. (Chlorophyceae) in artificial wastewater, under a simulated day-night cycle

Voltolina, D; Gomez-Villa, H; Correa, G

HERO ID

4522805

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2004

HERO ID 4522805
In Press No
Year 2004
Title Biomass production and nutrient removal in semicontinuous cultures of Scenedesmus sp. (Chlorophyceae) in artificial wastewater, under a simulated day-night cycle
Authors Voltolina, D; Gomez-Villa, H; Correa, G
Journal Vie et Milieu
Volume 54
Issue 1 (Mar 2004)
Page Numbers 21-25
Abstract The possibility of short-term nutrient removal from wastewater with microalgae was evaluated with semicontinuous cultures of Scenedesmus sp. in artificial wastewater, with 30, 40 and 50% renewal of the medium every 24 h and a simulated day-night cycle. Organic biomass production ranged from 33.8 to 39.5 mg times l super(-1), with protein contents of 52-54%. Nitrate removal was high (69 to 79%), but the initial concentration of ammonia decreased only by 8 to 13%. The total inorganic nitrogen removed in 24 h varied from 17 to 22%, and 42 to 44% of the amount removed was recycled into new organic biomass. The concentration of phosphorus decreased by between 29 and 43%, with an estimated efficiency of recycling of 35 to 45%. As with nitrogen, removal was related to the availability of light, which favours active uptake and causes photosynthesis - related changes in water chemistry due to the high pH of the medium, with fast ammonia stripping and phosphate precipitation. Given that in outdoor cultures light is discontinuous, short-term nutrient removal does not seem feasible with the solar technology available for tertiary biological treatment.
Wosid WOS:000221604000004
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Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Keyword Culture; Ammonia; Nutrients; Precipitation; Recycling; Waste water; Biomass; pH effects; Wastewater treatment; Primary production; Nitrogen; Scenedesmus; Phosphates; Photosynthesis; Nutrient Removal; Cultures; Wastewater; Chlorophyceae