Investigating the Growth Rate of Tetraselmis Algae and its Effect on Nitrogen Removal From Aquaculture Wastewater

Abstract

Background: This research investigated the ability of Tetraselmis microalgae to remove nitrates from aquaculture centers’ wastewater. Specifically, this study aimed to investigate the amount of nitrogen reduction by Tetraselmis microalgae under laboratory conditions. Therefore, algal density, chlorophyll a, specific growth rate, nitrate, and ammonia levels were investigated. Methods: Tetraselmis microalgae was planted under laboratory conditions with constant density of 2000 mL including 1900 mL of distilled water and 100 mL of stock to investigate the refining effects for 15 days. Along to the test steps, the concentration of the mentioned factors was determined using standard methods and ultraviolet spectrophotometer. Results: The results showed that algal density, chlorophyll concentration, and specific growth rate performed better than others in the pilot plants containing wastewater. Also, use of the studied algae caused a 50% reduction in ammonia and 80% in nitrate from aquaculture center wastewater. The data modeling showed that the above-mentioned microalgae were effective in reduction of nitrogen from aquaculture center wastewater as much as 75%. Conclusion: The results showed that the species can reduce organic substances in the wastewater of aquaculture center and their discharge into the environment.