Biotech Updates

Wastewater Treatment by Local Microalgae Strains for CO2 sequestration and Biofuel Production in Pakistan

October 25, 2017
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13201-017-0574-9

Currently, the scientific community is keenly working on environment-friendly processes for the production of clean energy and sustainable development. Abeera A. Ansari of the National University of Sciences and Technology in Pakistan aimed to cultivate microalgae in raw institutional wastewater for water treatment, enriched production of biomass and CO2 sequestration.

The team used microalgaeScenedesmus sp. and Chlorella sp. strains isolated from Kallar Kahar Lake, Pakistan. Both strains were cultivated in synthetic growth medium to enhance biomass production. Microalgae cultures were then inoculated in wastewater sample under ambient conditions.

The two strains were able to successfully remove impurities in wastewater, as well as sulfates. Besides being useful in wastewater remediation, these microalgae strains can be harvested for lipid extraction for biofuel production.

The method evaluated in this study can be a cost-effective and alternative technology for wastewater treatment. Furthermore, the biomass obtained through this process can be used for the production of biofuels.