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Updated: Feb 8, 2026
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Author Spotlight: Optimizing Growth Factors for Production of Biotechnologically Relevant Secondary Metabolites
Published on: October 25, 2024
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Microalgae population dynamics growth with AnMBR effluent: effect of light and phosphorus concentration
P Sanchis-Perucho1, F Duran1, R Barat1
1CALAGUA - Unidad Mixta UV-UPV, Institut Universitari d'Investigació d'Enginyeria de l'Aigua i Medi Ambient - IIAMA, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camí de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain
Summary
Light intensity and phosphorus levels control microalgae species dominance and nutrient removal in wastewater treatment. Optimizing these factors enhances biomass growth and nutrient uptake efficiency.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Microbiology
- Aquatic Ecology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Microalgae are crucial for wastewater treatment due to their nutrient removal capabilities.
- Wastewater effluent from anaerobic membrane bioreactors presents a nutrient-rich medium for microalgae cultivation.
- Understanding microalgae competition dynamics is key to optimizing wastewater treatment processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of light intensity and phosphorus concentration on microalgae biomass growth.
- To evaluate the effect of these parameters on nutrient removal efficiency.
- To determine how light and phosphorus influence microalgae species competition and dominance.
Main Methods:
- Cultivation of microalgae in a photobioreactor fed with real wastewater effluent.
- Experimental manipulation of light intensity (36 and 52 μmol s⁻¹ m⁻²) and phosphorus concentration (6 and 15 mgP L⁻¹).
- Quantification of dominant microalgae species (Scenedesmus, Chlorella, Monoraphidium, Chlamydomonas, and cyanobacteria) throughout the study.
Main Results:
- Chlorella dominated at lower light intensity; higher light favored Scenedesmus and Monoraphidium.
- Elevated phosphorus concentration (15 mgP L⁻¹) led to cyanobacteria dominance.
- Optimal nutrient removal (58.4% N, 96.1% P) and biomass yield (674 mg L⁻¹ VSS) occurred at 52 μmol s⁻¹ m⁻² light and 6.02 mgP L⁻¹ phosphorus.
Conclusions:
- Light intensity and phosphorus concentration are critical operational factors controlling microalgae species predominance.
- Microalgae species composition can be shifted by altering environmental conditions like light and nutrient availability.
- These findings provide insights for optimizing microalgae-based wastewater treatment systems.
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