Reduction of COD, Phosphorus, and Nitrogen in industrial wastewater through cultivation of Chlorella vulgaris in a bioelectrochemical system

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Science, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran.

2 Department of Theo. Physics and Nanophysic, Faculty of Physics, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran.

3 School for Resource and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie University, Dalhousie, Canada.

10.22059/jfisheries.2024.379639.1438

Abstract

The rapid expansion of industries in urban areas has led to the pollution of surface waters such as rivers and lakes. Industrial wastewater introduces harmful pollutants like nitrogen and phosphorus into the environment, resulting in eutrophication and reduced water quality. Additionally, the increase in COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) in industrial wastewater poses serious threats to the environment. Therefore, proper management and treatment of this wastewater to reduce nitrogen, phosphorus, and COD before discharge is essential to ensure environmental sustainability. This study examined a novel hybrid microalgae-bioelectrochemical system for the simultaneous treatment of industrial organic wastewater and the cultivation of the microalga Chlorella vulgaris. The results showed that COD removal in the anode and cathode chambers was 83.55% and 75.31%, respectively. Additionally, total Kjeldahl nitrogen concentrations in the anode and cathode chambers decreased by 69.76% and 63.91%, respectively. Ammonium concentrations also decreased by 89.11% and 99.9% in the anode and cathode chambers, respectively. In the cathode chamber, nitrate concentration decreased by 29.72%, while in the middle chamber, nitrate concentration increased. Phosphate levels also decreased by 52% and 68% in the anode and cathode chambers, respectively. This system effectively treated industrial wastewater and simultaneously produced microalgae biomass in a separate environment from the wastewater. This innovative approach can be used as a sustainable technology for industrial wastewater treatment and low-cost biomass production. However, further optimization of thed treatment systems is necessary to enhance efficiency.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Fisheries
Volume 77, Issue 4
December 2024
Pages 281-295

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