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Transforming Wastewater into Biofuel: Nutrient Removal and Biomass Generation with Chlorella vulgaris

Author

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  • Jose Luis Salgueiro

    (Chemical Engineering Department, School of Industrial Engineering (EEI), University of Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain)

  • Leticia Perez-Rial

    (Defense University Center, Escuela Naval Militar, Plaza de España 2, 36920 Marín, Spain)

  • Rocio Maceiras

    (Defense University Center, Escuela Naval Militar, Plaza de España 2, 36920 Marín, Spain)

  • Angel Sanchez

    (Chemical Engineering Department, School of Industrial Engineering (EEI), University of Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain)

  • Angeles Cancela

    (Chemical Engineering Department, School of Industrial Engineering (EEI), University of Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain)

Abstract

This study investigates the potential of Chlorella vulgaris for nutrient removal and biomass production in synthetic wastewater. The experiments were conducted in 2 L photobioreactors under controlled aeration, agitation, and lighting conditions for 19 days. Despite a moderate growth rate (0.137 d −1 ), C. vulgaris achieved efficient pollutant removal, with 97% of nitrate, 90% of nitrite, and 90.6% of COD eliminated. Additionally, the biomass was processed to extract fatty acids, yielding a 20% extraction rate, indicating its potential as a biofuel feedstock. These results demonstrate C. vulgaris ’s dual function in wastewater remediation and biofuel production, presenting a sustainable and economically viable approach to addressing environmental challenges.

Suggested Citation

  • Jose Luis Salgueiro & Leticia Perez-Rial & Rocio Maceiras & Angel Sanchez & Angeles Cancela, 2024. "Transforming Wastewater into Biofuel: Nutrient Removal and Biomass Generation with Chlorella vulgaris," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(19), pages 1-12, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:19:p:4911-:d:1489795
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Giovanna Salbitani & Simona Carfagna, 2021. "Ammonium Utilization in Microalgae: A Sustainable Method for Wastewater Treatment," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-17, January.
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    1. Juan Nápoles-Armenta & Itzel Celeste Romero-Soto & Luis Samaniego-Moreno & Lourdes Mariana Díaz-Tenorio & Luis Alonso Leyva Soto & Celia De La Mora-Orozco & Rafael González Pérez & Edgardo Martínez-Or, 2025. "Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Bioproduct Generation via Optimized Autotrophic and Mixotrophic Microalgal Cultivation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(14), pages 1-22, July.

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