Abstract
Native algae strains have been domesticated and stimulated in activated sludge wastewater treatment operations. The term of domestication indicates that we did not add any selected algae to the wastewater, but made use of species existing in the system. The term of proliferation indicates a stimulation of the biological oxidation process by provision of CO2 with the air stream and illumination of the reactor. The idea of domestication of algae present in communal wastewater systems was demonstrated. Stimulation of the system with domesticated algae community did improve efficiency of the treatment process. Removal of organic components in terms of reduction of chemical and biological oxidation demands (dissolved COD, BOD) as well as nitrogen and phosphorous contents was superior to extent of removal in conventional activated sludge system. We did conclude that conventional systems lack available light and carbon resources for these microorganisms. Upon providing these, symbiotic operation can contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increase of the rate of pollutants removal kinetics. Symbiotic operation increased the production of biomass expressed in terms of total suspended solids. Biodiesel potential of the filterable biomass was in the range of 8-18%. Because of technical difficulties in manipulation of the excess sludge other than biodiesel synthesis processing scheme has been recommended for economically viable processing.
Highlights
1.1 Algae in wastewater treatmentWe have started to deal with algae by being deeply motivated by enthusiasm of providing feedstock in abundance for biofuels and avoiding competition with food cycle
The technique of domestication is a mode of operation in which those microorganisms that are present in wastewater system are grown and employed within the system
The extent of biological oxidation can be boosted by higher availability of oxygen in the system;
Summary
1.1 Algae in wastewater treatmentWe have started to deal with algae by being deeply motivated by enthusiasm of providing feedstock in abundance for biofuels and avoiding competition with food cycle. We had to revisit this and to refine our interest for direct production of algae for biodiesel processing. Literature data show that algae concentrations do not exceed a level of 0.7-1.0 g/l in water. This concentration of algae is very low for practical applications. This has led to a conclusion that under market realities algae cannot be a panacea to supply feedstock for feasible biodiesel production. Lundquist et al [1] revealed on the basis of detailed de novo analysis, that project costs are too high for microalgae in facilities designed primarily for supplying feedstock for biofuel. For the sake of dramatic improvements that are required for both productivity and energy efficiency it is to greatly reduce the cost of biomass production with demanding requirement on cost of carbon source (CO2) and nutrients
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
