Indigenous Green Microalgae for Wastewater Treatment: Nutrient Removal and Resource Recovery for Biofuels and Bioproducts

Abstract

Microalgae biotechnology can strengthen circular economy concepts in the wastewater treatment sector. This study investigated the Norwegian microalgae strains of Tetradesmus wisconsinensis, Lobochlamys segnis, and Klebsormidium flaccidum for their efficiency in nutrient removal. Their biomass productivity and compositions were evaluated for bioenergy and bi-products development. In the laboratory batch experiment with synthetic municipal wastewater, all strains accomplished total removal of nitrogen and phosphorus. L. segnis removed all NH4+ and PO43− (initial concentration of 28 and 15 mg/L, respectively) earliest among others. T. wisconsinensis biomass was superior in total carbohydrates content (40%) and fatty acid profile that imply biorefinery potential. The fatty acid (TFA) content was the highest in L. segnis (193 ± 12 mg/g dry cells), while K. flaccidum accumulated fatty acids that consisted largely of polyunsaturated fatty acids (82% of TFA). The highest protein level was measured in K. flaccidum (53%). Observed variations in biomass components can be used for a strategic production of targeted compound in resource recovery scenarios for biofuel generation.