Immobilized Microalgae Bioremediation: A Sustainable Solution for Contaminated Water

This project investigates the use of immobilized Chlorella vulgaris, encapsulated in agar-agar spheres, to bioremediate freshwater contaminated by industrial discharges. Utilizing a 2-liter bioreactor, significant results were achieved over six days, including a 96% reduction in chromium and a 90% reduction in copper concentrations. The process also showed substantial decreases in total nitrogen, ammoniacal nitrogen, and phosphorus levels, proving its high effectiveness.

This technology offers practical advantages, including high contaminant removal efficiency, low cost, and ease of use in various environments. The research emphasizes supporting vulnerable communities dependent on water. In regions with limited access to advanced technologies, this cost-effective solution enables self-sufficiency and sustainability in water management. By leveraging locally available materials and accessible methodologies, it provides sustainable water treatment, fostering resilience and long-term environmental stewardship.

Living near industrial areas in Buenos Aires, I saw the severe impact of water contamination on local communities. Inspired to find a practical solution, I researched bioremediation, using Chlorella vulgaris and eco-friendly agar-agar to create sustainable, cost-effective microalgae spheres bioreactor to improve water quality.

Traditional wastewater treatment processes often face challenges such as high energy consumption and limited applicability in urban areas. Addressing the urgent need for sustainable and accessible water remediation technologies, this project investigates the use of immobilized Chlorella Vulgaris encapsulated in agar-agar spheres for the bioremediation of freshwater contaminated by industrial discharges. The study highlights the advantages of this method in terms of cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and suitability for low-resource communities. Using a 2-liter bioreactor, the project demonstrated significant results in six days. Samples taken from a stream contaminated by industrial discharges were treated with spheres of microalgae immobilized in agar-agar. This technique prevents environmental stress and ensures uniform distribution, avoiding eutrophication. The algae showed a 40% increase in biomass and active photosynthesis, improving oxygen levels in the water. Additionally, this process has the added benefit of capturing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen into the environment, thereby helping to mitigate climate change and prevent the greenhouse effect. The spheres efficiently removed heavy metals, reducing chromium by 96% (from 2.5 × 10^-1 mg/L to 1 × 10^-2 mg/L) and copper by 90% (from 1 × 10^-1 mg/L to 1 × 10^-3 mg/L). Furthermore, total nitrogen levels were notably reduced by 82%, ammoniacal nitrogen by 93%, and phosphorus by 62%. The Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) decreased by 75%, and the Dissolved Oxygen (DO) increased from 1.6 mg/L to 5.4 mg/L, significantly improving water quality and promoting a healthy aquatic ecosystem. Designed to support low-resource communities, this technology enables self-sufficiency in water management. Its simplicity and low cost ensure that it can be replicated and maintained globally as it can be implemented using natural biofilters with accessible and environmentally friendly materials, easily manageable by affected communities. The immobilization of Chlorella Vulgaris in agar-agar spheres offers a viable and sustainable solution for the bioremediation of contaminated freshwater. By focusing on accessibility and sustainability, this project provides an effective tool for communities to ensure clean and safe water, contributing to environmental preservation and public health. Additionally, the process not only cleans water efficiently but also generates biomass that can be reused for bioenergy production, creating a virtuous cycle of environmental and economic benefits. In a global context where many communities lack access to advanced water treatment technologies, this solution offers them a viable alternative and empowers them with tools to manage and purify their own water supply, promoting resilience, independence, and a better quality of life.