Phycoremediation of X-ray developer solution towards silver removal with concomitant lipid production

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Biotechnology
• Microbiology

Background:

• X-ray developer solutions contain hazardous pollutants, including silver.
• Phycoremediation offers a potential biological approach for wastewater treatment.
• Microalgae are increasingly studied for their bioremediation capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize X-ray developer solution.
• To assess the toxic tolerance and phycoremediation potential of Desmodesmus armatus in X-ray developer solution.
• To evaluate concomitant lipid production during phycoremediation.

Main Methods:

• Characterization of X-ray developer solution for BOD, COD, and silver content.
• Toxicity and tolerance studies of Desmodesmus armatus in varying dilutions of X-ray developer solution.
• 19-day phycoremediation experiments to measure pollutant removal and lipid production.

Main Results:

• X-ray developer solution contained high BOD (1.229 g/l), COD (27.29 g/l), and silver (0.01791 g/l).
• Desmodesmus armatus showed remarkable growth in a 3:1 BBM to developer solution ratio.
• Phycoremediation achieved significant removal of BOD (20.86%), COD (13.88%), phosphorus (57.10%), and silver (44.06%) within 19 days.
• Concomitant lipid production of 1.392% was observed.

Conclusions:

• Desmodesmus armatus demonstrates significant potential for the phycoremediation of hazardous X-ray developer solutions.
• The process effectively removes key pollutants and silver.
• Concurrent lipid production presents a valuable co-benefit, enhancing the sustainability of the approach.