Work

Design and development of pilot photobioreactor for simultaneous microalgae cultivation and aquaculture wastewater treatment

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study presents an innovative and modular phototrophic biofilm photobioreactor (PBR) designed for the simultaneous cultivation of algae and the treatment of aquaculture wastewater (AWW). The vertical flat-plate BPR allows for stable microalgae growth while efficiently removing nutrients from wastewater under controlled conditions, including light, CO 2 , supplementation, water recirculation and continuous monitoring of parameters such as pH, nitrate (NO 3 - N) and phosphate (PO 4 3- P). The PBR was operated at an aquaculture facility using AWW, with nutrient removal and microalgal growth being monitored. The microalgae consortium composed of Chlorella sp. , Scenedesmus sp. and Phormidium sp. were evaluated for their growth potential and wastewater remediation capabilities. Results showed high nutrient removal efficiencies with 92 % reduction of PO 4 3- P (removal rate: 0.07 mg/L d) and a 62 % reduction of NO 3 - -N (removal rate: 1.1 mg/L d), bringing nutrient concentrations below the limits set by the Waters Protection Ordinance. Maximum biomass production reached a growth rate on land surface of 25 g/m 2 /d, with a favorable biochemical composition of 51 % proteins, 25 % carbohydrates and up to 8 % lipids, indicating the potential for use animal feed. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using AWW as a growth medium for microalgae while simultaneously achieving wastewater remediation, offering a sustainable solution for nutrient recycling in aquaculture operations.

Source: Process Biochemistry

DOI: 10.1016/j.procbio.2025.03.016