Hydroponic Wastewater Treatment with Microalgae: A Sustainable Alternative for Irrigating Pelargonium × hortorum

Abstract

Microalgae are an effective solution for the treatment and valorization of wastewater generated in hydroponic systems. In the current context of sustainability and resource management, the search for ecological alternatives in agriculture is essential. This study investigated the use of wastewater from hydroponic systems, purified by microalgae, for the irrigation of Pelargonium × hortorum. An experiment was designed under controlled conditions in which different irrigation treatments were applied. Hydroponic leachates treated by microalgae were used at 100%, 75%, and 50% (diluted using tap water), in addition to tap water as a negative control and nutrient solution as a positive control. The treatment system was established in a raceway photobioreactor, which allowed the proliferation of microalgae that act as bioremediators for the elimination of pollutants and the removal of nitrogen and phosphorus. The growth parameters, biomass, and general health of the Pelargonium × hortorum plants were evaluated, complemented with physicochemical analyses of the water carried out during the experimental period. These analyses showed that the water obtained after the purification process retained nutrients that can be reused for irrigation. The results indicated that plants irrigated with treated water showed significant improvements in height, diameter, number of leaves, leaf area, leaf dry weight, and flower dry weight compared to those irrigated with tap water. In conclusion, the study shows that the treatment of hydroponic wastewater by means of microalgal cultivation represents a viable and ecological alternative for the irrigation of ornamental plants such as Pelargonium × hortorum. The implementation of this system contributes both to the reduction of pollutants and to the optimal use of water resources, establishing a solid basis for future research in which additional nutrients could be incorporated to balance the nutrient solution studied.