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Author Spotlight: Scaling Microalgal Biotechnology for Enhanced Biomethane Production
Published on: March 22, 2024
Production of selenium-enriched microalgae as potential feed supplement in high-rate algae ponds treating domestic
Jun Li1, Lila Otero-Gonzalez2, Joris Michiels3
1Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry and Applied Ecochemistry, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; GEMMA-Group of Environmental Engineering and Microbiology, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya·BarcelonaTech, Jordi Girona 1-3, Building D1, 08034 Barcelona, Spain.
Abstract:
This study assessed the selenium (Se) removal efficiency of two pilot-scale high-rate algae ponds (HRAPs) treating domestic wastewater and investigated the production of Se-enriched microalgae as potential feed supplement. The HRAP-Se had an average Se, NH4+-N, total phosphorus and COD removal efficiency of, respectively, 43%, 93%, 77%, and 70%. Inorganic Se taken up by the microalgae was mainly (91%) transformed to selenoamino acids, and 49-63% of Se in the Se-enriched microalgae was bioaccessible for animals. The crude protein content (48%) of the microalgae was higher than that of soybeans, whereas the essential amino acid content was comparable. Selenium may induce the production of the polyunsaturated fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6 in microalgae. Overall, the production of Se-enriched microalgae in HRAPs may offer a promising alternative for upgrading low-value resources into high-value feed supplements, supporting the drive to a circular economy.
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