Effect of different temperature regimes on remediation efficiency, photosynthetic performance and fatty acid profile of algal consortia

Abstract

The present investigation was conducted to examine the adaptability potential of wastewater treated algal consortia (Consortia 1-Chlorococcum humicola and Tetradesmus sp; Consortia 2- Chlorococcum humicola, Scenedesmus vacuolatus and Tetradesmus sp) under temperature regime of 20°C and 40°C. The results exhibited that consortia 1 treated with 25 % wastewater showed highest remediation efficiency than consortia 2. However, maximum specific growth rate (0.064 ± 0.012) and biomass production (2010 ± 14.23 mg/L) was observed in wastewater (50 %) treated consortia 2. The results also revealed highest improvement in different photosynthetic parameters in consortia 1 at 20 °C and 40 °C. Additionally, enrichment of antioxidants and phenolic compounds at 40°C in consortia 1 was evident from FTIR spectroscopy. The results further showed that 40°C enhanced saturated fatty acid percentage (46.99%) in consortia 2. Overall, maximum growth, biomass production, photosynthetic performance and fatty acid profile of selected consortia reflected remarkable adaptability and tolerance towards thermal stress. Thus, employing consortia could serve as the competent bio-system to resolve wastewater complexity and concomitant bio-energy production under temperate and sub-tropical regions.