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7 Water and Wastewater Treatment
7.9 Bioremediation of Wastewater
Bioremediation is a technique used in waste management that entails using organisms to neutralize or eliminate pollutants from contaminated sites. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (2018) defines bioremediation as a treatment that uses
natural organisms to decompose hazardous substances into non-toxic or less toxic
ones. Many industries across the world are exploring the need to use bioremediation
as a pertinent way of cleaning up wastewater. While treating wastewater, bioremediation predominantly uses natural microorganisms from Mexico. Such initiatives
provide economically and environmentally sustainable treatment techniques (Gratia
et al. 2009). Bioremediation is cost-effective because of the time and planning
required for successful treatment. In many developed nations, optional wastewater
treatment methods are needed (Kshirsagar 2013). Lagoons can offer a viable
solution for wastewater treatment in developing nations as well as in rural areas.
Algae is often used for the bioremediation process and sewage treatment. It plays
a crucial role in the aerobic treatment of waste within the secondary treatment
process. Algae-based wastewater treatment systems are predominantly utilized for
the removal of nutrients, especially phosphorus and nitrogen.
(continued)
Experiment 7.1: Bioremediation for wastewater treatment: Microalgae selection
Materials Required
Batch photoreactor, cylindrical borosilicate Pyrex bottles, and cylindrical
bioreactors.
Background of the Experiment
This experiment is an attempt to establish the significance of algal bioremediation as a viable technology for the treatment of wastewater within a
sustainable and economical way.
Experiment Procedure
1. Perform the experiment in batch photobioreactors on a lab-scale using
2000 mL cylindrical borosilicate Pyrex bottles.
2. Drill three 1 /4 inch holes into the caps of cylindrical bioreactors to get two
inlets and one outlet. Secure carbon dioxide and airlines within the two
inlet openings while leaving the third outlet unobstructed to deter pressure
and oxygen build-up within the reactor.
3. Maintain the gas flow rate into the bioreactors using two rotameters.
Subject the cultures to illumination using four fluorescent lamps placed
in a horizontal and parallel way to the front as well as the back of the
tubular photobioreactor.
7 Water and Wastewater Treatment
7.9 Bioremediation of Wastewater
Bioremediation is a technique used in waste management that entails using organisms to neutralize or eliminate pollutants from contaminated sites. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (2018) defines bioremediation as a treatment that uses
natural organisms to decompose hazardous substances into non-toxic or less toxic
ones. Many industries across the world are exploring the need to use bioremediation
as a pertinent way of cleaning up wastewater. While treating wastewater, bioremediation predominantly uses natural microorganisms from Mexico. Such initiatives
provide economically and environmentally sustainable treatment techniques (Gratia
et al. 2009). Bioremediation is cost-effective because of the time and planning
required for successful treatment. In many developed nations, optional wastewater
treatment methods are needed (Kshirsagar 2013). Lagoons can offer a viable
solution for wastewater treatment in developing nations as well as in rural areas.
Algae is often used for the bioremediation process and sewage treatment. It plays
a crucial role in the aerobic treatment of waste within the secondary treatment
process. Algae-based wastewater treatment systems are predominantly utilized for
the removal of nutrients, especially phosphorus and nitrogen.
(continued)
Experiment 7.1: Bioremediation for wastewater treatment: Microalgae selection
Materials Required
Batch photoreactor, cylindrical borosilicate Pyrex bottles, and cylindrical
bioreactors.
Background of the Experiment
This experiment is an attempt to establish the significance of algal bioremediation as a viable technology for the treatment of wastewater within a
sustainable and economical way.
Experiment Procedure
1. Perform the experiment in batch photobioreactors on a lab-scale using
2000 mL cylindrical borosilicate Pyrex bottles.
2. Drill three 1 /4 inch holes into the caps of cylindrical bioreactors to get two
inlets and one outlet. Secure carbon dioxide and airlines within the two
inlet openings while leaving the third outlet unobstructed to deter pressure
and oxygen build-up within the reactor.
3. Maintain the gas flow rate into the bioreactors using two rotameters.
Subject the cultures to illumination using four fluorescent lamps placed
in a horizontal and parallel way to the front as well as the back of the
tubular photobioreactor.