Comparing the Phytoremediation Efficiency of Three Different Algae for the Nutrient Removal of Gediz River in Manisa/Turkey

Abstract

Using bioremediation, in order to break down the pollutants of water systems, is a low cost and ecological friendly approach. Different types of algae are being used in bioremediation processes especially in contaminated waters. Algal species have the ability to use most of the pollutants as food source. Thus, they are desirable organisms for bioremediation process. Studying the bioremediation efficiency levels of different algal species for different types of contaminants is crucial for increasing the effectiveness of this method. In this study , three different algal species were used for the bioremediation process of the water samples, collected in 2015 from Gediz River. In laboratory conditions the removal efficiency of these three algae for various parameters, such as nitrate, nitrite, phosphate and ammonium, were measured. According to the results, the removal efficiency levels for (a) Chlorella sp., measured as PO 4 3- > NO 3 - > NO 2 - > NH 3 - , were 84.47 %, 83.41 %, 6.22 %, 1.79 %, (b) Scenedesmus sp., measured as NO 3 - > NO 2 - > NH 3 - >PO 4 3- , were 97.33 %, 92.92 %, 72.08 %, 56.91 %, and (c) Oscillatoria sp., measured as NH 3 - > NO 3 - > PO 4 3- > NO 2 - , were 90.08 %, 86.76 %, 83.21 %, 0.28 % respectively.