Effect of aeration flow rate on the growth of microalgae as a biofuel feedstock and wastewater treatment

Abstract

The objectives of this study is to evaluate the effect of aeration inlet gas flow rate on the growth of microalgae as a sustainable biofuel feedstock and also the use of these cultured microalgae as a means of biological nutrient removal medium in wastewater. The final biomass yield of trial II (4.5 L/Min aeration flow rate) culture media with a value of 0.605 g/L was higher than trial I (9.0 L/Min aeration flow rate) and III (without aeration) with values of 0.418 g/L and 0.207 g/L respectively. The final Chlorophyll α content of the microalgae cultivated in trial II was higher (2.450 µg/mL) than trial I and III (0.906 µg/mL and 0.903 µg/mL) respectively. The concentration of total nitrogen and phosphorus from the fine screen chamber wastewater of Nicosia wastewater plant was reduced from 105.909 mg N/L to 1.847 mg N/L and 6.441 mg P/L to 0.805 mg P/L respectively. In conclusion, aeration culture media with 4.5 L/Min showed better growth outcome and which is therefore suitable for biofuel production and also microalgae could be used as a secondary treatment for wastewater containing high nutrient.