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Wastewater treatment optimization utilizing polyvinyl alcohol cryogel immobilized microalgae for nutrient removal
Hongrae Im1, Hoang Tam Nguyen2, Dawoon Jeong3
1Department of Global Smart City, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), 2066, Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, 16419, Republic of Korea.
Chemosphere
|September 28, 2024
Summary
Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) cryogels effectively immobilize microalgae for enhanced wastewater treatment. Immobilized microalgae achieved 100% nitrogen and 97.2% phosphorus removal, especially with organic carbon addition.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Biotechnology
- Microalgal Bioremediation
Background:
- Wastewater treatment faces challenges in efficient nutrient removal.
- Microalgae offer a sustainable solution for nutrient remediation.
- Immobilization techniques are crucial for microalgal stability and reuse.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) cryogels for immobilizing microalgae.
- To evaluate the nutrient removal efficiency of immobilized microalgae in wastewater.
- To assess the impact of organic carbon and inorganic carbon on nutrient removal.
Main Methods:
- Immobilization of Chlorella sorokiniana in PVA cryogels using freeze/thaw cycles.
- Nutrient removal testing in a continuously stirred photobioreactor.
- Analysis of nitrogen and phosphorus removal under varying organic and inorganic carbon conditions.
Main Results:
- 100% nitrogen and 97.2% phosphorus removal achieved with PVA-immobilized microalgae under mixotrophic conditions.
- Maximum nutrient removal capacities determined: 0.033 mg-N/cm³·day (N) and 0.0047 mg-P/cm³·day (P).
- Increased inorganic carbon enhanced the N/P ratio, with nitrate yielding a higher ratio than ammonia.
Conclusions:
- PVA cryogels provide an effective method for immobilizing microalgae for wastewater treatment.
- Organic carbon significantly boosts nutrient removal efficiency and bioreactor performance.
- High nutrient removal rates contribute to reducing eutrophication and promoting nutrient recovery.
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