DOI: https://doi.org/10.55373/mjchem.v26i3.134

Keywords: Algal biofilm; substrate; Algal biomass harvesting

Abstract

Algal biofilm system can act as a potential platform for better algal biomass production and easy harvesting. The goal of this study is to investigate a stationary algal biofilm adhesion on various substrate’s surfaces with integrated approach for algal biomass harvesting and wastewater treatment. An algal biofilm system in continuous mode with autoclaved and unautoclaved Composite Industrial Wastewater (CIWW) and selected substrates (on the basis of roughness and smoothness) was used to grow the selected algal strain. Maximum algal cell attachment was reported on rough surface when compared to other selected substrates. Nutrient recovery efficiency for TDS, BOD, COD, Nitrate and Phosphate in autoclaved and unautoclaved CIWW was found in the range 31-45%, 60-76%, 98.4-98.6%,17.2-30.7% and 72.9-73.8% respectively. The utilization of discarded materials as an attachment surface for algal biofilm formation was proved to be an effective measure to manage the problem of water choking created by these discarded materials. Such materials with further extensive studies can be suggested for wastewater remediation through algal biofilm cultivation approach under the concept of resource recovery and reutilization.