Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 19, 2026

Coupling Carbon Capture from a Power Plant with Semi-automated Open Raceway Ponds for Microalgae Cultivation
Published on: August 14, 2020
Chlorella stigmatophora for urban wastewater nutrient removal and CO2 abatement
Zouhayr Arbib1, Jesus Ruiz, Pablo Alvarez
1Department of Environmental Technologies, Centro Andaluz de Ciencia y Tecnología Marinas (CACYTMAR), Campus Universitario de Puerto Real, University of Cadiz, Cadiz, Spain. zouhayr.arbib@uca.es
Abstract:
Batch experiments were performed to study biomass growth rate, nutrient removal and carbon dioxide bio-fixation of the marine microalgae Chlorella stigmatophora. Four different cultures at different salinities were tested: wastewater (WW), synthetic wastewater (SWW), seawater (SW) and diluted seawater (DSW). Experimental results showed that Chlorella stigmatophora grew satisfactorily in all culture media, except in SWW where inhibition occurred. In all cases, biomass experimental data were fitted to the Verlhust Logistic model (R2 > 0.982, p < or = 0.05). Maximum biomass productivity (P(bmax)) and CO2 biofixation (P(vCO2)) were reached in the WW medium, 1.146g SSL(-1)day(-1) and 2.324g CO2L(-1)day(-1) respectively. The order of maximum specific growth rates (micro max) was WW >DSW>SW. In order to compare nitrogen and phosphorous removal kinetics, an estimation of the time required to reach the most restrictive concentration of total N and P in effluents as defined in the Directive 98/1565/CE (10 mg sigmaNL(-1) (T10(N)) and 1 mg sigmaPL(-1) (T1(p)) was performed. In the WW test T10(N) and T1(p) needed were of 45.15 and 32.27 hours respectively and at the end of the experimental the removal was in both 100%.
Related Concept Videos
Bioremediation
Biofuels
Microbial Bioremediation of Uranium
Microbial Bioremediation of Hydrocarbons
Microbial Bioremediation of Pesticides
Coagulation

