MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER RECLAMATION BY MICROALGAE IN

PRODUCTIVE WAYS

Pragadeesh K S 1, T Sundararajan2 M Velan3, and R Saravanane4

Abstract: Water security and wastewater reclamation have been the focus for research
and development in developing countries like India, due to diverse landscapes and
unequal water availability and distribution. A whooping estimate of 151 BLD (Billion
Litres per Day) of wastewater is expected to be generated in India, by 2030. This picture is
very alarming necessitating the need to use water efficiently and exploring the possibilities
to reuse wastewater. Despite many strategies that are available for treatment, only one-
fourth of the generated wastewaters from various sources is treated, and reused. Of the
various potential sources, municipal sewage holds much promise for reuse as it is less
toxic and hence comparatively easier to treat and reuse. Microorganisms have a natural
tendency to break down complex substances and feed them, and hence advantageous for
treatment of wastewater. Among them, microalgae are still advantageous as they are
photoautotrophic . Further, they can intake almost 70% - 80% of the nutrients available
and generate biomass.
It has been reported that a number of studies have been carried out on the use of algae for
treating wastewaters from sources like municipal, piggery, dairy etc., having the potential
for reuse. In earlier reported studies, the potential of specific types such as: Chlorella sp.,
Botryococcus braunii, Dunaliella sp. have been investigated. But, there is a need to look
at the use of cultures based on a consortium of mutually beneficial microorganisms along
with microalga. This will make a more natural environment for large scale wastewater
application, which will be free from hinderence from other microbes. Further, studies
conducted so far, shows that introduction of CO2 from lignite firings enhances biomass
generation.
In this paper, a comprehensive review of reclamation of wastewater from various
wastewater sources using microalgae, especially from municipal wastewater has been
highlighted, along with critical observations thereof. Further, preliminary results of a
laboratory-based batch study using microalgae for reclaiming water from municipal
wastewater has also been highlighted. It is found that the results indicate good nutrient
utilisation by microalgae along with native microbes and that exposure of the wastewater
wherein microalgae is grown, to the smoke generated by burning lignite has increased the
nutrient level. Further studies are in progress with focus on better treatment and higher
biomass production.

Keywords: water reuse; municipal wastewater; microalgae; CO2; biomass production

1 PG student, Department of Civil Engineering, Pondicherry Engineering College, Puducherry, India,

e-mail:pragadeeshsekar@gmail.com
2 Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Pondicherry Engineering College, Puducherry, India,
e-mail:saravananae@gmail.com; tsrajan5621@gmail.com
3 Chief Manager, Corporate Environment Cell (CEC), Neyveli Lignite Corporation(NLC), Neyveli,
Tamilnadu, India, e-mail:velanji@gmail.com

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