Water desalination of Chlorella vulgaris

Abstract

Saltwater intrusion is a common phenomenon in Southern Vietnam, but salinization is becoming more serious due to the rising sea level related to climate change. Among potential methods for water desalination, the application of halophytic microalgae is gaining high interest. This study investigated the effect of Chlorella vulgaris (C. vulgaris) microalgae on reducing water salinity at different media (Bold Basal Medium and Sea Salt Medium) and in different salt concentrations (1 - 30 g/L). The results indicated that C. vulgaris microalgae had good growth in all mediums used and contributed to lowering the salt content from 20% to 40% after 15 days of cultivation.