TITLE
Enhancing microalgal cultures in desalinized wastewater from semiarid regions: An assessment of growth dynamics and biomass accumulation
JOURNAL
Journal of Applied Phycology
AUTHORS
ABSTRACT
This study aimed to evaluate the novel valorization of wastewater through the desalination process of concentrated saline water (CSW) originating from the semiarid regions of Brazil using the growth of two microalgae and modeling their growth using a kinetic model. Chlorella vulgaris and Ankistrodesmus fusiformis were cultured for 15 days in BG 11 medium that was partially replaced with wastewater, and the data from the best growing conditions were fitted to the model of Gompertz. The CSW had a low heavy metal concentration and both algae grew under all conditions studied. However, each microalga exhibited a different behavior under the same conditions. C. vulgaris remained only in the adaptation phase when it was cultured in 100% CSW. In contrast, A. fusiformis was only 3 days in the lag phase and had 67% more biomass than C. vulgaris. 75% CSW was best for both microalgae. This study demonstrates a circular bioeconomy model that can be applied to semiarid regions to provide water and food security for the local population. The potential of A. fusiformis has also been highlighted; however, it has not yet been explored in the field of microalgae culture.
