Algal-based, single-step treatment of urban wastewaters. (August 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Henkanatte-Gedera, S.M.; Selvaratnam, T.; Caskan, N.; Nirmalakhandan, N.; Van Voorhies, W.; Lammers, Peter J.
• Is Part Of: Bioresource technology. Volume 189(2015)
• Page Start: 273
• Page End: 278
• Publication Date: 2015-08
• Subjects: Mixotrophic metabolism -- Wastewater treatment -- Galdieria sulphuraria -- Organic removal -- Nutrient removal; Biomass -- Periodicals; Biomass energy -- Periodicals; Bioremediation -- Periodicals; Agricultural wastes -- Periodicals; Factory and trade waste -- Periodicals; Organic wastes -- Periodicals; Bioénergie -- Périodiques; Déchets agricoles -- Périodiques; Déchets industriels -- Périodiques; Déchets organiques -- Périodiques; Déchets (Combustible) -- Périodiques; 662.88
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2015.03.120
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0960-8524

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Demonstrated wastewater treatment by mixotrophic metabolism. Demonstrated single-step removal of BOD and nutrients. Demonstrated higher BOD removal by mixotrophic metabolism. Demonstrated comparable nutrient removal by mixotrophic metabolism. Abstract: Currently, urban wastewaters (UWW) laden with organic carbon (BOD) and nutrients (ammoniacal nitrogen, N, and phosphates, P) are treated in multi-stage, energy-intensive process trains to meet the mandated discharge standards. This study presents a single-step process based on mixotrophic metabolism for simultaneous removal of carbon and nutrients from UWWs. The proposed system is designed specifically for hot, arid environments utilizing an acidophilic, thermotolerant algal species, Galdieria sulphuraria, and an enclosed photobioreactor to limit evaporation. Removal rates of BOD, N, and P recorded in this study (14.93, 7.23, and 1.38 mg L −1 d −1, respectively) are comparable to literature reports. These results confirm that the mixotrophic system can reduce the energy costs associated with oxygen supply in current UWW treatment systems, and has the potential to generate more energy-rich biomass for net energy extraction from UWW.