Wastewater treatment for nutrient removal with Ecuadorian native microalgae
María Belén Benítez1, Pascale Champagne2, Ana Ramos3
1a Colegio de Ciencias e Ingenierías, Universidad San Francisco de Quito , Quito , Ecuador.
Environmental Technology
|March 31, 2018
Summary
Native microalgae in Ecuador show potential for wastewater treatment. This study demonstrates successful removal of nitrogen and phosphorus, indicating a viable secondary treatment option.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Biotechnology
- Ecuadorian Ecology
Background:
- Wastewater treatment is crucial for environmental protection.
- Secondary wastewater treatment often involves nutrient removal.
- Ecuador needs sustainable and cost-effective treatment solutions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of using native Ecuadorian microalgae for nutrient removal.
- To evaluate nitrogen and phosphorus removal efficiencies in a secondary wastewater treatment context.
- To investigate the impact of agitation and aeration on microalgal nutrient removal.
Main Methods:
- Batch experiments using synthetic secondary wastewater effluent.
- Cultivation of a native Ecuadorian microalgal strain.
- Comparison of nutrient removal in agitated and aerated photobioreactors.
Main Results:
- Microalgal cultures demonstrated successful removal of nitrogen and phosphorus.
- Nitrogen removal efficiencies of 52.6% (agitation) and 55.6% (aeration).
- Phosphorus removal efficiencies of 67.0% (agitation) and 20.4% (aeration).
- Aeration did not enhance nitrogen removal and negatively impacted phosphorus removal.
Conclusions:
- Native Ecuadorian microalgae, specifically *Chlorella sp.*, can effectively remove nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewater.
- The findings support the incorporation of this microalgal strain into Ecuador's wastewater treatment processes.
- Further research into optimizing aeration conditions is recommended for phosphorus removal.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Absorption of Nutrients
5.7K
Absorption refers to taking dietary nutrients from the intestinal lumen for transportation throughout the body. After digestion in the small intestine, carbohydrates, proteins, and fats are broken down into simpler forms. These essential macronutrients and other vital substances, such as vitamins, minerals, and water, are then prepared for absorption into the bloodstream.
Enterocytes, which are specialized polar epithelial cells, line the mucosa of the small intestinal walls. These cells...
Enterocytes, which are specialized polar epithelial cells, line the mucosa of the small intestinal walls. These cells...
5.7K
01:25Extracorporeal Removal of Drugs: Hemoperfusion and Hemofiltration
244
Hemoperfusion and hemofiltration are critical techniques in medical treatments to eliminate accumulated drugs, metabolites, and electrolytes from the bloodstream. These methods are particularly vital in cases of accidental poisoning and drug overdose.Hemoperfusion involves passing blood through an adsorbent material to remove unwanted substances. The main adsorbents used in hemoperfusion include activated charcoal and Amberlite resins. Activated charcoal can adsorb both polar and nonpolar...
244
01:30Extracorporeal Removal of Drugs: Peritoneal Dialysis and Hemodialysis
551
Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or those experiencing drug overdose often require extracorporeal methods to eliminate accumulated drugs and metabolites. Hemoperfusion, hemofiltration, and dialysis are the primary techniques to rapidly remove harmful substances without disrupting the patient's fluid and electrolyte balance. For those with compromised renal function, dosage adjustments of concurrent medications may be necessary during extracorporeal drug removal.Dialysis is a process...
551
01:27Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
1.0K
In open-angle glaucoma, the iridocorneal angle remains open, but the trabecular meshwork becomes stiff, slowing down the outflow of aqueous humor. This causes a buildup of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, leading to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. The treatment for open-angle glaucoma focuses on reducing the elevated intraocular pressure by either decreasing the secretion of aqueous humor or increasing its outflow.
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
1.0K
02:56Treatment Resistant Cancers
3.8K
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
3.8K
01:24Parkinson's Disease: Treatment
1.2K
Neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's Disease (PD), involve the gradual and irreversible destruction of neurons in particular brain areas. These disorders exhibit standard features like proteinopathies, selective vulnerability of some neurons, and an interaction of intrinsic properties, genetics, and environmental influences in neural injury.
Parkinson's Disease is primarily a result of the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. The cornerstone of...
Parkinson's Disease is primarily a result of the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. The cornerstone of...
1.2K