Nutrient removal and biomass production by immobilized chlorella vulgaris

Abstract

Immobilized cells of Chlorella vulgaris in alginate–chitosan matrix achieved faster growth rates and produced more biomass than their free cell counterpart in synthetic aquaculture wastewater. Higher (89.8%) nitrate-N removal was achieved by immobilized cells than by the free cells (45.9%). Phosphate-P removal was both high at 98.9 and 99.5% by immobilized and free cells, respectively. The alginate–chitosan matrix was found suitable for growth, nutrient removal, and biomass production in synthetic aquaculture wastewater.