Evaluation of the potential of Chlorella vulgaris for the removal of pollutants from standing water

Abstract

In this study we evaluated the microalga Chlorella vulgaris in order to determine the ability of the microalga to remove the highest concentration of contaminants present in stagnant water. A mixing design of the microalgae with the wastewater was carried out for 20 days, with a 12:12 h photoperiod, in a greenhouse. The highest removal efficiencies for heavy metals were ≥ 98% (mainly Cd, Hg, As and Pb) and ≥ 90% for BOD5, COD, nitrates, phosphates, total phosphorus, faecal and total coliforms. Finally, according to the design analysis, it was determined that the optimal microalgae mixture 1:10 achieves the highest DO production and the highest removal, in a cultivation time of 15 days. In conclusion, microalgae demonstrate their capacity for bioremediation of rural domestic wastewater jagüeyes.