Page 13 - KVIS Book

ENS03I

Optimization of Microalgae Immobilization for Eco-friendly
Wastewater Treatment Using Chlorella vulgaris as a Model
Species

Thanakrit Wongsatit, Jiramet Kinchagawat
Kamnoetvidya Science Academy, Thailand
2
1
Supervisor: Pimsiri Danphitsanuparn , Krongkan Janta
1 Kamnoetvidya Science Academy
2 Chiangrai Rajabhat University
Email: thanakrit_w@kvis.ac.th

This experiment aimed at finding the optimal condition of using immobilized
microalgae, Chlorella vulgaris, for wastewater treatment. Factors of interest were (1)
the effect of alginate bead concentration on the ability to absorb phosphate from
wastewater (2) stability of alginate beads and (3) growth of microalgae in alginate
beads. The results showed that sodium alginate with concentration of 2 %, 2.5 %, and
3% (w/v) dropped at 24 cm height were suitable for the next experiment. To study the
alginate bead stability, algal beads and control beads were put in synthetic wastewater
and distilled water for 12 days. The stability of the beads was monitored from the
microalgae leakage using spectrophotometric method. Phosphomolybdate complex
formation technique was used to determine phosphate concentration. Then, the beads
were dissolved to observe microalgae abundance using haemocytometer. 2% w/v
alginate bead was considered to be the most appropriate to immobilize C. vulgaris.
Since the beads had the highest capability to support microalgae growth and could
absorb phosphate efficiently in the synthetic wastewater.

Keywords: Immobilization, Alginate, Microalgae, Synthetic wastewater, Chlorella
vulgaris