title: Fed-batch cultivation of Arthrospira and Chlorella in ammonia-rich wastewater: Optimization of nutrient removal and biomass production.
abstract: In the present work the cyanobacterium Arthrospira platensis and the microalga Chlorella vulgaris were fed-batch cultivated in ammonia-rich wastewater derived from the anaerobic digestion of poultry litter. Aim of the study was to maximize the biomass production along with the nutrient removal aiming to wastewater treatment. Ammonia and phosphorus removals were very high (>95%) for all cultures investigated. Both microorganisms were able to remove volatile fatty acids to an extent of >90%, indicating that they were capable of mixotrophic growth. Chemical oxygen demand and proteins were also removed in various degrees. In contrast, in all cultures carbohydrate concentration was increased. The biochemical composition of the microorganisms varied greatly and was influenced by the indicate that the nutrient availability. A. platensis accumulated carbohydrates (≈ 40%), while C. vulgaris accumulated lipids (≈ 50%), rendering them interesting for biofuel production.
authors.affiliation: Department of Agricultural Engineering, Institute of Soil and Water Resources, Hellenic Agricultural Organization-Demeter, Leoforos Dimokratias 61, 13561 Athens, Greece; Department of Natural Resources Management and Agricultural Engineering, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, 11855 Athens, Greece. Electronic address: markoug@aua.gr.
authors.forename: Giorgos
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Markou
mesh_terms: D000641:Ammonia / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D000693:Anaerobiosis / Q000502:physiology; D056804:Biofuels / Q000382:microbiology; D057919:Biological Oxygen Demand Analysis / Q000379:methods; D018533:Biomass; D048408:Chlorella vulgaris / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism; D005232:Fatty Acids, Volatile / Q000737:chemistry; D005502:Food; D058086:Microalgae / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism; D010758:Phosphorus / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D053545:Spirulina / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism; D062065:Wastewater / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000382:microbiology*
chemical_list: D000641:Ammonia; D056804:Biofuels; D005232:Fatty Acids, Volatile; D010758:Phosphorus; D062065:Wastewater
keywords: Ammonia toxicity; Cyanobacteria; Microalgae; Poultry litter; Wastewater