Assessment of microalga biofilms for simultaneous remediation and biofuel generation in mine tailings water.
Microalgae crops can generate a biochemical profile of high energy density and may be used for remediation of contaminated waste waters. This manuscript presents a laboratory-scale investigation into the potential for growing endemic microalgae biofilms in phosphorus-enriched nickel refinery tailings water, with an emphasis on product potential and the remediation of heavy metals. The dominant species of the consortia was a Chlorella-like microalga. The growth was monitored over time, with a productivity (0.77±0.07gAFDW.m-2.day-1) showing promising potential. The biochemical profile of biomass had a high total carbohydrate yield (40.0%), and a potential for increased lipid yields (6.7-19.5%). Biofilms showed a significant potential for the removal of heavy metals (Ni, Co, Mn, Sr) from the waste water with 24.8%, 10.5%, 24.8% and 26.4% reduction in Ni, Co, Mn and Sr, respectively. Results highlight significant potential for large-scale biofilm biomass production using metal-laden nickel refinery waste waters.
College of Science & Engineering, James Cook University, Douglas, QLD 4811, Australia.
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H
Palma
College of Science & Engineering, James Cook University, Douglas, QLD 4811, Australia.
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E
Killoran
College of Science & Engineering, James Cook University, Douglas, QLD 4811, Australia. Electronic address: madoc.sheehan@jcu.edu.au.
M
M
Sheehan
College of Science & Engineering, James Cook University, Douglas, QLD 4811, Australia.
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F
Berner
College of Science & Engineering, James Cook University, Douglas, QLD 4811, Australia.
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K
Heimann
D018441:Biofilms; D056804:Biofuels; D002708:Chlorella; D058086:Microalgae; D062065:Wastewater; D014867:Water
D056804:Biofuels; D062065:Wastewater; D014867:Water
Biofilm; Biofuel; Metal absorption; Microalgae; Water treatment