Harnessing Algal–Bacterial Nexus for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Wastewater Treatment

Abstract

The accelerating pace of global population growth, urbanization, and industrialization is exerting considerable pressure on freshwater resources. In developing countries, where infrastructure constraints often hinder the adoption of advanced treatment technologies, cost-effective and efficient wastewater solutions are essential. Algal–bacterial bioremediation represents a promising, eco-friendly method for removing organic pollutants through biological processes. This study evaluates a hybrid treatment system composed of three ponds: a covered anaerobic pond for organic matter digestion, a microalgal pond equipped with rotating biological contactors (RBCs) that facilitate interactions between heterotrophic bacteria and diatoms, and a final settling pond. Granular activated carbon embedded within the RBC enhances biofilm formation by attracting heterotrophic bacteria, thereby increasing treatment efficiency. Under optimal conditions—10 g of activated carbon and 1.7 d hydraulic retention time—the system achieved removal efficiencies of 95.8% for total suspended solids (TSS), 96.3% for turbidity, 85% for biological oxygen demand (BOD), and 99.9% for Escherichia coli. Bacteriological analysis showed complete removal of fecal coliform and total coliform. The characteristics of the outflow treated wastewater are 3 mg/L, 0.9 NTU, and 3.2 mg/L for TSS, turbidity, and BOD, respectively, while E. coli detection is under detection limit. The treated effluent complies with Category A for the reuse of treated wastewater in the Egyptian code for the reuse of treated municipal wastewater for agricultural purposes, offering a scalable and sustainable solution for wastewater management in resource-constrained regions.