Biological Treatment of Domestic Wastewater using Chlorella vulgaris Microalgae at Laboratory Scale

It is highly emphasis on the wastewater treatment because of its high potential in contaminating the food and water. One of the most effective biological methods in wastewater treatment is usage of plants. A group of the plants, which has attracted the researchers’ attention is the microalgae. Microalgae consume the nutritious materials with the help of the sun light, turn these materials into useful biomass and secure the wastewater resources from contamination. In this study, the Chlorella Vulgaris microalgae performance was assessed in purifying municipal wastewater. First, the microalgae were grown inside a photobioreactor and later the biomass of microalgae was cultivated under varying conditions in the wastewater medium in order to examine their performance. During the period of growing microalgae in the wastewater, BOD of wastewater was determined in different conditions at various retention times using BOD meter. The best condition for the Chlorella Vulgaris microalgae growth was determined at 35 ˚C and biomass concentration of 30%. The results showed that under the optimal growth condition and after 72 hours of retention time, Chlorella Vulgaris was capable to remove 82% of the wastewater BOD. The results asserted Chlorella Vulgaris microalgae capability in decreasing wastewater BOD and its applicability in wastewater treatment.