Removal of biogens from synthetic wastewater by microalgae

Removal of biogens (P, N) from synthetic wastewater by microalgae Chlorella vulgaris was investigated. The study was carried out under static conditions (batch tests). Significant differences were found in the removal of nutrients by algae. The removal of biogens was >50% for ammonium ions and >80% for nitrates and phosphates. N and P removal through assimilation by microalgal C. vulgaris species can be considered an ecological alternative for current methods applied for removal of these substances from wastewater. It seems that using algae for N and P removal from wastewater can be affordable in comparison to other methods. The efficiency of biogens removal depends on the type of a biogen to be removed and the concentration of N and P in solutions. Optimization of N:P ratio can have some positive influence on the removal of biogens from wastewater by C. vulgaris.