Bioproducts characterization of residual periphytic biomass produced in an algal turf scrubber (ATS) bioremediation system

Abstract

The transformation of residual biomass from bioremediation processes into new products is a worldwide trend driven by economic, environmental and social gain. The present study aimed to evaluate the potential for obtaining bioproducts of technological interest from the remaining periphytic biomass formed during a bioremediation process with an algal turf scrubber (ATS) system installed in a lake catchment. Different methodologies were used according to the target bioproduct. Analyses were performed by high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detector (HPLC/DAD), gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-VIS) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The results demonstrated that the periphytic biomass presented potential since protein (17.7%), carbohydrates (22.4%), total lipids (3.3%) with 3.6 mg mL-1 of fatty acids, antioxidants (144.5 μmol Trolox eq. g-1) and chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and carotenoids (1,719.7 μg mL-1, 541.2 μg mL-1 and 317.7 μg mL-1, respectively) were obtained. Inorganic analysis presented a value of 42.3±2.58% of total ash and metal presence was detected, indicating bioaccumulation. The properties found in periphyton strengthen the possibility of its application in different areas, ensuring bioremediation efficiency.