Algae-Assisted Nutrient Removal From Municipal Wastewater

Abstract

Wastewater treatment continues to draw attention as a potential source of eutrophication. As stricter regulations are implemented research and development must address the need for improved treatment designs. This study focused on the treatment efficiency of the treatment systems as well as the cost and energy demand or operation. In the following research a co-culture of algae and activated sludge were investigated for their ability to provide improved nutrient removal to wastewater treatment systems. This culture was tested in a sequencing batch reactor and a plug flow reactor to model large scale municipal wastewater treatment and onsite household septic tanks respectively. This culture provided significant treatment of nutrients in both studies. Further experimentation and optimization of these treatment designs is needed to address the cost of operation.