Growth and nutrient removal capacity of Chlorella vulgaris microalgae in high ammonia media
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Date
2021-01-13
Authors
Shirzadi, Amir
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Abstract
Wastewater treatment is essential to remove toxic particulates before it is discharged to the surrounding environment. Recently, algal-based systems have been widely used for wastewater treatment. However, there is a lack of studies on algal growth’s feasibility in high ammonia media. In this research, the growth of Chlorella Vulgaris microalgae in high ammonia media was investigated. In the first stage, 200, 400, 600, and 800 mg/l of ammonia (NH4) levels were applied. The optimal growth and nutrient removal were achieved with 600 mg/l ammonia. Biomass concentration of 1268 mg/l and ammonia removal of 348 mg/l was obtained. Algae had low growth in a high-ammonia medium (800 mg/l). In the second stage, the buffering system of CO2/ NaHCO3 was applied. Different carbon dioxide concentrations (2, 4, and 6%) and sodium bicarbonate (1, 1.5 and 2 g/l) were investigated. The best results (biomass concentration and ammonia removal of 1740 and 417.33 mg/l, respectively) were obtained with 4% CO2 and 1.5 gr/l NaHCO3. This study shows the feasibility of C. Vulgaris growth in harsh low-pH conditions and its optimal conditions to remove nutrients from wastewater.
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Keywords
Chlorella Vulgaris, Microalgae, Ammonia, Biomass