Development and performance evaluation of an algal biofilm reactor for treatment of multiple wastewaters and characterization of biomass for diverse applications. (January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Choudhary, Poonam; Prajapati, Sanjeev Kumar; Kumar, Pushpendar; Malik, Anushree; Pant, Kamal K.
• Is Part Of: Bioresource technology. Volume 224(2017)
• Page Start: 276
• Page End: 284
• Publication Date: 2017-01
• Subjects: Nonwoven spunbond fabric -- Variable strength wastewater -- Net energy return (NER) -- Biomethane -- Livestock feed supplement -- Bio fertilizers; 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.2016.10.078
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0960-8524

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: First algal biofilm reactor with nonwoven fabric for growth & in-situ harvesting. Maximum biomass productivity of 4 g m −2 d −1 in neat livestock wastewater (LSW). 70–98% nutrient removal in high strength LSW & anaerobically digested slurry (ADS). Suitability of domestic grey water (DGW) biomass as biogas feedstock. LSW & ADS grown biomass as potential livestock feed and biofertilizer. Abstract: A modified algal biofilm reactor (ABR) was developed and assessed for high biomass productivity and treatment potential using variable strength wastewaters with accumulation of specialized bio-products. The nonwoven spun bond fabric (70 GSM) was selected as suitable biofilm support on the basis of attachment efficiency, durability and ease of harvesting. The biomass productivity achieved by ABR biofilms were 4 g m −2 d −1, 3.64 g m −2 d −1 and 3.10 g m −2 d −1 when grown in livestock wastewater (LSW), domestic grey water (DGW) and anaerobically digested slurry (ADS), respectively. Detailed characterization of wastewater grown biomass showed specific distribution of biomolecules into high lipid (38%) containing biomass (DGW grown) and high protein (44%) biomass (LSW and ADS grown). The feasibility assessment of ABR in terms of net energy return (>1) favored its application in an integrated system for treatment and recycling of rural wastewaters with simultaneous production of biomethane, livestock feed supplement and bio fertilizers.