Striking synergism between water quality restoration with Algal single cell protein (scp) production

Abstract

Phycoremediation is a process that uses microalgae for water remediation. The limitations to the slow growth rate and low biomass of plants in case of phytoremediation can be effectively managed by Phycoremediation. The present study efficiently couples remediation of nitrate, phosphate levels in a fresh water source with single cell protein production. The Spirulina-Chlorella consortia was tested for its remediation efficacy in the form of a floating wetland for a maximum period of 10 days. The results were promising with a reduction of 34.36 ± 1.19 % of nitrates, 83.39 ± 0.66 % of phosphates and 97.79 ± 0.79% in bacterial load (cfu/mL). The consortia thus reared was found to have 79 ± 0.2 % protein, 19.8 ± 0.34 % lipids and 9 ± 0.42 % carbohydrates making it a prospective feed supplement. This pilot scale set up thus seems to be a promising solution for onsite remediation of agricultural run-offs that are rich in nitrates and phosphates.