Bioremediation of Domestic Wastewater Using Chlorella Sorokiniana Microalgae and Techno-Economic Feasibility Assessment in Arid Desert Regions

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the viability of using Chlorella sorokiniana microalgae for bioremediation of domestic wastewater and the production of algal biomass that may be used in several applications, as well as the viability of producing microalgae economically in arid regions.

Due to its temperate climate, abundant water supply, and large flat areas, Southern Algeria was an ideal location for growing microalgae. Due to the availability of this species in southern Algeria. In an open pond-style Rasway, 45 litres of domestic wastewater were used to cultivate microalgae.  The microalgae Chlorella sorokiniana were shown to be quite effective at removing COD. NH4 +- N, TN, and TP by 89.90%, 100%, 97.65%, and 98.91%, respectively. By the end of the experiment, the maximum biomass yield, which was reached after 15 days, was 1.79±0.01g L-1.  Furthermore, 149 tonnes of microalgae per hectare were harvested annually; the crop's value per hectare is put at 64500 euros. 

According to this assessment, the project was feasible, especially if it was larger than ten hectares. The findings showed that Chlorella sorokiniana microalgae may be used to treat wastewater and create algal biomass at the same time, which can then be processed and converted into biofuels, natural fertiliser, or animal and fish feed.