Work

Valorisation of tannery wastewater with indigenous microalgal strains: Acclimation, identification, biomass characterization and remediation

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Tannery wastewater contains high concentrations of inorganic and organic pollutants and requires extensive remediation before discharge. In this study, four of ten promising microalgal strains were successfully acclimated to 50 % raw tannery effluent. Three of the strains were indigenous species that were identified using molecular techniques and designated as Tetradesmus obliquus CPUT-L1, Tetradesmus dimorphus CPUT-L2 and Neochloris sp. CPUT-W1. The biomass concentrations (1.50 ± 0.017 to 1.11 ± 0.04 g/L) compared well with literature values for growth of microalgae in wastewater. Growth in the nitrogen-rich tannery effluent drove the metabolism of all four strains to produce higher amounts of carbohydrates (12.7–19.8%wt.wt.) and proteins (24.5–37.2%wt.wt.) than fatty acids (7.40–13.3%wt.wt.). Results suggest that the high-protein biomass could be used as an animal feed supplement because all samples also contained a range of micronutrients, and the concentrations of toxic metals were compliant with the World Health Organization standards for human consumption. All strains were able to completely remove ammonia (12 mg/L) from the effluent. The concentrations of soluble COD (489 ± 4 mg/L) did not change significantly after remediation and there were notable increases (64–89 %) in total COD from influent (876 ± 4 mg/L) to effluent due to autotrophic microalgal growth. All the strains formed large coenobia, allowing the biomass to settle readily without the need for physical or chemical interventions. Overall, the results showed that the acclimated microalgal strains have the potential to be used in a tannery biorefinery for simultaneous polishing of tannery effluent and possible utilization of the biomass as animal feed. • Tetradesmu s and Neochloris isolates acclimated for remediation of tannery effluent • Utilizable biomass concentrations achieved (1.50 ± 0.017 to 1.11 ± 0.04 g/L) • Complete removal of ammonia (12 mg/L) by all strains • Potential animal feed supplement with high protein (24.5–37.2%wt.wt.) biomass • Simple gravity separation of biomass due to large coenobia formation

Source: Algal Research

DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2025.103953

Authors: A. Ranjan, M. Lilly, N. Deepnarain, P.J. Welz

Institution: Cape Peninsula University of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Algal biology and biofuel production

Subfield: Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Clean water and sanitation, Responsible consumption and production, Zero hunger

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,190