Production of natural pigments from A. platensis grown on wastewater from local treatment facility.
(2023) KMBM01 20231Applied Microbiology
Biotechnology
- Abstract (Swedish)
- Although microalgae have been considered for the biological treatment of wastewater since the 1950’s, their potential to efficiently remove pollutants from various streams remains largely untapped and is yet to be utilized at large scale. The production of algal biomass and extraction of high-value compounds has, however, become increasingly popular with large scale farms and biorefineries around the world producing many promising alternatives to petroleum-based products and processes. While microalgae systems rival traditional production in terms of environmental sustainability and health benefits, the economic viability remains a challenge. This study aimed to investigate the potential of a biorefinery concept using wastewater as growth... (More)
- Although microalgae have been considered for the biological treatment of wastewater since the 1950’s, their potential to efficiently remove pollutants from various streams remains largely untapped and is yet to be utilized at large scale. The production of algal biomass and extraction of high-value compounds has, however, become increasingly popular with large scale farms and biorefineries around the world producing many promising alternatives to petroleum-based products and processes. While microalgae systems rival traditional production in terms of environmental sustainability and health benefits, the economic viability remains a challenge. This study aimed to investigate the potential of a biorefinery concept using wastewater as growth medium for the production of natural pigments by cyanobacterium, Arthrospira platensis. Using effluent streams as a growth media drastically cuts costs of production and with this circular approach, we are able to address challenges facing the wastewater treatment industry while providing a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based products.
During phase one, the growth of A. platensis was monitored on different amounts of wastewater supplemented with standard growth media. Biomass productivity and growth rate ranged from 233,12 – 2000 mg.L-1.d-1 and 0,19 – 0,37 d-1, with 50% FWW supplemented with 50% Zarrouk media resulting in the highest values and thus proving to be the preferred growth media. However, cultures grown on 75% FWW supplemented with 25% Zarrouk media resulted in the highest PC content and thus was chosen as the growth media for further investigation. Phase two investigated the effect of different photoperiods (14h:10h and 16h:8h) on the production of PC, while assessing the scale-up potential of the system and monitoring nutrient removal. Photoperiod had no significant effect on PC content, however, a decrease in total PC production was seen between phases, suggesting further optimization for scale-up to be viable. In all cases, NH4+, PO43-, and TN in the WW media were successfully reduced to levels below the lowest range of detection. While further optimization is necessary, the proposed process proved successful in reducing harmful nutrients from WW, maintaining A. platensis growth, and producing sufficient levels of PC. (Less) - Popular Abstract
- Harnessing Microalgae: Transforming Wastewater into Valuable Pigments
Innovative solutions are constantly sought to address the challenges of wastewater treatment and the increasing demand for sustainable products. One promising approach involves utilizing microalgae in a biorefinery system that not only cleans wastewater but also extracts valuable pigments from the biomass. This concept presents an intriguing solution that combines environmental remediation with the production of high-value products.
Microalgae are microscopic organisms that harness the power of photosynthesis to convert sunlight and carbon dioxide into organic matter. They are incredibly efficient at this process, exhibiting high growth rates and accumulating... (More) - Harnessing Microalgae: Transforming Wastewater into Valuable Pigments
Innovative solutions are constantly sought to address the challenges of wastewater treatment and the increasing demand for sustainable products. One promising approach involves utilizing microalgae in a biorefinery system that not only cleans wastewater but also extracts valuable pigments from the biomass. This concept presents an intriguing solution that combines environmental remediation with the production of high-value products.
Microalgae are microscopic organisms that harness the power of photosynthesis to convert sunlight and carbon dioxide into organic matter. They are incredibly efficient at this process, exhibiting high growth rates and accumulating various valuable compounds, including pigments. Their ability to thrive in diverse environments, including wastewater, makes them an ideal candidate for treatment and resource recovery. Traditional wastewater treatment processes consume large amounts of energy and are environmentally taxing. However, by integrating microalgae cultivation with wastewater treatment systems, we create a symbiotic relationship where the nutrients and organic matter present in the wastewater are used as a nutrient source for growth, effectively purifying the water in the process. One particularly exciting aspect is the extraction of valuable pigments from the microalgae biomass. These pigments not only provide color to the microalgae but also possess significant commercial value in various industries such as food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
This study aims to investigate the potential of this biorefinery concept on local wastewater sources from the treatment facility RecoLab located in Helsingborg, Sweden. By establishing growth of a popular microalgae, Arthrospira platensis, on a food wastewater stream which is high in nutrients, we can optimize the biomass growth and assess the pigment content produced throughout cultivation. Additionally, we investigate the scale-up potential of this system by increasing the working volume to assess the effects of a larger scale implementation. Through two phases of experiments, A. platensis successfully reduced the high levels of nutrients to below the lowest detection range while maintaining impressive biomass productivity and producing a sufficient amount of pigment. With further research and testing, this process offers a promising solution which may contribute to building a more circular bioeconomy both locally, here in Sweden, and on a global scale. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
http://lup.lub.lu.se/student-papers/record/9118915
- author
- Faulds, Hana LU
- supervisor
-
- Jing Li LU
- organization
- course
- KMBM01 20231
- year
- 2023
- type
- H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
- subject
- keywords
- Cyanobacteria, pigments, microalgae, wastewater treatment, biotechnology
- language
- English
- id
- 9118915
- date added to LUP
- 2023-06-09 09:17:09
- date last changed
- 2023-06-09 09:17:09
@misc{9118915,
abstract = {{Although microalgae have been considered for the biological treatment of wastewater since the 1950’s, their potential to efficiently remove pollutants from various streams remains largely untapped and is yet to be utilized at large scale. The production of algal biomass and extraction of high-value compounds has, however, become increasingly popular with large scale farms and biorefineries around the world producing many promising alternatives to petroleum-based products and processes. While microalgae systems rival traditional production in terms of environmental sustainability and health benefits, the economic viability remains a challenge. This study aimed to investigate the potential of a biorefinery concept using wastewater as growth medium for the production of natural pigments by cyanobacterium, Arthrospira platensis. Using effluent streams as a growth media drastically cuts costs of production and with this circular approach, we are able to address challenges facing the wastewater treatment industry while providing a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based products.
During phase one, the growth of A. platensis was monitored on different amounts of wastewater supplemented with standard growth media. Biomass productivity and growth rate ranged from 233,12 – 2000 mg.L-1.d-1 and 0,19 – 0,37 d-1, with 50% FWW supplemented with 50% Zarrouk media resulting in the highest values and thus proving to be the preferred growth media. However, cultures grown on 75% FWW supplemented with 25% Zarrouk media resulted in the highest PC content and thus was chosen as the growth media for further investigation. Phase two investigated the effect of different photoperiods (14h:10h and 16h:8h) on the production of PC, while assessing the scale-up potential of the system and monitoring nutrient removal. Photoperiod had no significant effect on PC content, however, a decrease in total PC production was seen between phases, suggesting further optimization for scale-up to be viable. In all cases, NH4+, PO43-, and TN in the WW media were successfully reduced to levels below the lowest range of detection. While further optimization is necessary, the proposed process proved successful in reducing harmful nutrients from WW, maintaining A. platensis growth, and producing sufficient levels of PC.}},
author = {{Faulds, Hana}},
language = {{eng}},
note = {{Student Paper}},
title = {{Production of natural pigments from A. platensis grown on wastewater from local treatment facility.}},
year = {{2023}},
}