Application of Parachlorella kessleri for treatment of poultry processing wastewater: effect of temperature on nutrient removal rate and protein production
BACKGROUND
Wastewater produced from the thermal processing of poultry meat contains high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus. Thus, tertiary treatment is required to ensure that the wastewater meets Brazilian environmental regulations. Microalgae are capable of removing nutrients from wastewater and simultaneously synthesizing high-value biomolecules, such as proteins, which perform essential functions (structuring, energy reserve and bioactivity). However, microalgae are sensitive to temperature, which affects biomass productivity and the nutrient removal rate. The southern region of Brazil – where the present study was developed – has a temperate–subtropical climate, with periods of temperatures lower than 10 °C in winter, which may affect microalgal productivity and growth. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of temperature on nutrient removal from wastewater produced in a thermal poultry meat processing facility using a microalga-based process with Parachlorella kessleri. Biomass yield, nitrogen and orthophosphate removal efficiency and protein content were assessed at three temperatures (10, 20 and 30 °C) for 13 days.
RESULTS
A yield of 0.049 ± 0.01 g L−1 d−1 was obtained at 20 °C. On the sixth day of cultivation, the ammonia removal rate was 98.79%. Orthophosphate was removed efficiently in all treatments, with rates higher than 90%. Average protein concentration did not differ significantly among the treatments.
期刊介绍:
Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology(JCTB) is an international, inter-disciplinary peer-reviewed journal concerned with the application of scientific discoveries and advancements in chemical and biological technology that aim towards economically and environmentally sustainable industrial processes.