Work

Integrated red tilapia aquaculture with Chlorococcum sp. cultivation: Bioremediation of aquaculture wastewater and biomass production

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The growing need for sustainable aquaculture requires innovative wastewater treatment solutions with environmental and economic benefits. This study examines the use of Chlorococcum sp. , a locally isolated microalga, for nutrient removal and biomass production in aquaculture wastewater. Red tilapia ( Oreochromis spp.) fingerlings were reared in a 200 L tank over 92 days, with continuous monitoring of water quality parameters. Variations in fish survival rate and feed conversion ratio were influenced by water quality fluctuations. The harvested wastewater was then utilized as a culture medium for Chlorococcum sp. in a flat-plate photobioreactor, achieving high nutrient removal efficiencies—98.7% total nitrogen (TN), 98.94% total phosphorus (TP), and 83.58–86.59% chemical oxygen demand (COD) reduction. Microalgae biomass concentration reached 1.075 g/L (batch 1) and 1.45 g/L (batch 2), with substantial cell growth. Growth kinetics indicated the localy isolated microalgae was resilient in aquaculture wastewater. These findings highlight the potential of Chlorococcum sp. for sustainable wastewater treatment while contributing to biomass valorization. The study provides key insights for optimizing microalgae-based bioremediation in large-scale aquaculture systems.

Source: Cleaner and Circular Bioeconomy

DOI: 10.1016/j.clcb.2025.100153

Authors: Zubair Hashmi, Juliana Zaini, Muhammad Saifullah Abu Bakar, Muhammad Roil Bilad

Institution: Universiti Brunei Darussalam

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: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,270