Bioremediation of Phenolic Waters using the Microalgae Chlamydomonas Reinhardtii

Abstract

In this research, the capacity of biodegradation of phenolic compounds using the microalgae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii was evaluated, as well as the impact of the contaminant on the growth of the microalgae. The bioassays consisted on three phenol concentrations: 25 mgL/L, 50 mgL/L and 100 mg/L and a control solution. Bioremediation rates of approximately 99% were obtained, showing no significant difference between medium and high concentration bioassays. A good microalgae growth rate was obtained for the tests at low and medium concentration, they were above the control bioassay, but the high concentration bioassay showed an inhibition in the cell growth, this one presented growth below the control bioassay. The use of the microalgae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii in bioremediation processes of phenolic effluents, whose concentrations are below 100 mg/L, is proposed for future research.